Received 02 April from Daniel Dumalin - MSc - Clinical and Research Psychologist/Neurophysiologist

‘This sad case has been brought to my attention.

On Tuesday, doctors in Detroit reported another disturbing case involving a female airline worker in her late 50s with Covid-19. She was confused, and complained of a headache; she could tell the physicians her name but little else, and became less responsive over time.
Brain scans showed abnormal swelling and inflammation in several regions, with smaller areas where some cells had died.

Physicians diagnosed a dangerous condition called acute necrotizing encephalopathy, a rare complication of influenza and other viral infections.
 
 “The pattern of involvement, and the way that it rapidly progressed over days, is consistent with viral inflammation of the brain,” Dr. Elissa Fory, a neurologist with Henry Ford Health System, said through an email. “This may indicate the virus can invade the brain directly in rare circumstances.” The patient is in critical condition.’

Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/health/coronavirus-stroke-seizures-confusion.html

Daniel Dumalin added -
‘This is probably due to the effect of organophosphates that has compromized her blood-brain barrier and her immune system.’

Her prospect is poor. My heart goes out for her, her family and friends.

This is regretfully an illustration that aircrew seem more vulnerable and should take (extra) precaution to not get infected by COVID-19.’

More on this story from Livescience.com:
https://www.livescience.com/woman-with-covid19-coronavirus-had-rare-brain-disease.html

The breathing air onboard aircraft is contaminated by toxic chemicals (including organophosphates) from engine oil, hydraulic fluid and the exhaust from other aircraft (whilst on the ground) by the bleed-air provided via the aircraft engines. Airlines and Aircraft Manufacturers claim this is ‘fresh air’ drawn from outside the aircraft. Unfortunately this is not the case.
Pilots and cabin crew (including former pilots and cabin crew) have developed Toxic Encephalopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy and other conditions related to brain injury due to exposure to contaminated air onboard aircraft.
Some have received confirmation of these injuries from clinical testing (and will already be aware of their additional vulnerability during this pandemic) but unfortunately the vast majority of flight and cabin crew remain unaware of this possibility.
We feel it is important that people realise that Aerotoxic Syndrome has a number of different effects on the body. It can change the key communication mechanisms in the body, the nervous system and affects all areas from peripheral nerves to brain cell changes.

Aerotoxic Syndrome - Dr. Sarah Myhill:
https://www.aerotoxicteam.com/uploads/6/0/3/8/6038702/4aea_website_aerotoxic_syndrome_dr_sarah_myhill.pdf

Aerotoxic Syndrome - Bearnairdine Beaumont, Aerotoxic Team:
https://www.aerotoxicteam.com/fume-events-aerotoxic-syndrome.html

‘Doctors have observed neurological symptoms, including confusion, stroke and seizures, in a small subset of Covid-19 patients.’
⁃ New York Times.
Is this ‘small subset’ those previously exposed to organophosphates or other toxic chemicals during their working life?
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121202113712.htm

There is the possibility of airline crew feeling that their overall health improves - for those who are not flying for the time being., a time for healing & renewal and for the strengthening of immune systems impaired by the rigorous demands of a flying career along with the exposure to harmful chemicals, so this ‘time out’ must be viewed as a positive aspect., but with the revelation above regarding vulnerability, please keep yourselves safe.

Immune System Advice:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/white-seeber-grogan-the-remedy-chicks/ten-simple-natural-ways-to-boost-immune-system/

https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/doctor-note-boost-immune-system-200327094510965.html

Those of us campaigning for ‘safe’ breathing air onboard aircraft wish you well during these unprecedented times.

We hope this period gives the aviation industry time to reflect and to bring about the much needed changes onboard aircraft to ensure the health of passengers, pilots and cabin crew is no longer compromised from the contaminated air they are currently forced to breathe.
If the Aviation Industry work now to bring about the required changes - including suitable systems to eliminate harmful chemicals from the cabin air along with onboard monitors/sensors, then the industry will be able to move onwards and upwards with renewed strength and integrity, giving customers and crew confidence going forward.