‘The toxic fumes incident, or more specifically, “acute chemical inhalation” and “acute toxic inhalation,” took place aboard an Airbus A320 and led to Captain Myers’ devastating health problems. His toxic encephalopathy, mild neural cognitive disorder, convergence insufficiency and saccadic eye movement deficiency, caused symptoms such as severe tremors, stuttering, confusion and migraines.’
‘A February 22, 2017 Engineering Disposition Report confirmed that the airplane’s APU was cracked and leaking oil with oil contamination into the ducting – causing the fume event.’
This is The Transport Workers Union Of America (TWU) Summary of the recent case in the USA:
http://www.twu.org/jetblue-pilot-wins-major-worker-compensation-for-toxic-fume-exposure-airlines-appear-to-be-more-concerned-about-keeping-planes-in-the-air-than-worker-safety/?fbclid=IwAR0hA3E1dHrFNx6VDInMy9G1pV0gTofSynkLUGQkTpQ5Jz2c6rhcH9aWk9I
Those injured by this type of poisoning usually have a very long, challenging and arduous journey ahead of them.
Poisoning from toxic aircraft oil or hydraulic fluid fumes (Aerotoxic Syndrome) has still not been recognised or acknowledged.
It still remains unrecognised within the United Kingdom by the U.K. Government and the National Health Service.
There is no education or training for NHS front line A&E staff or GP’s on the subject. Therefore, they do not know how to treat anyone who has been exposed and injured in this way onboard an aircraft.
The most anyone can expect in U.K. A&E departments is a full blood count and carbon monoxide test - Dr Sarah Myhill MB, BS explained in 2007 - (allegedly was told by the GMC U.K. to remove this from her website because Aerotoxic Syndrome doesn’t exist):
https://www.aerotoxicteam.com/uploads/6/0/3/8/6038702/4aea_website_aerotoxic_syndrome_dr_sarah_myhill.pdf
Updated version - but with no mention of Aerotoxic Syndrome:
https://www.drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Chemical_poisoning_-_general_principles_of_diagnosis_and_treatment
Because Aerotoxic Syndrome (specific type of poisoning from Organophosphates and Volatile Organic Compounds - VOC’s) is not recognised, precious time is wasted in testing for and misdiagnosing other (single care pathway) conditions. There is no care pathway or protocol. No treatment, therapy or support.
When left untreated, damage caused to various major organs and systems within the body usually become permanent within 18 months - 2 years.
I wrote via my MP in 2018 to Sir Bruce Keogh - National Medical Director NHS England
This was his response to my concern that Aerotoxicity was not being addressed and is not treatable within the NHS:
‘Aerotoxic Syndrome is not a medically recognised condition. Any patient presenting with chronic fatigue, respiratory problems or any other symptom which could be associated with what has been described by some as “Aerotoxic Syndrome” would be treated using the appropriate care pathway for their specific medical diagnosis.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Sir Bruce Keogh KBE, MD, DSc, FRCS, FRCP
National Medical Director NHS England.’
(He retired in 2018)
This information was not helpful to me at all. It explained the situation - that the door to any chance of recovery was firmly closed.
The only option available for those injured and suffering with Aerotoxic Syndrome within the UK is an environmental/ecological doctor. It can be expensive, particularly when you are unable to work/are signed off sick and not earning your usual salary and because these doctors are so highly sought after, it can be difficult to get an appointment. However, they have the facilities for the correct type of testing, advice on nutrition and detoxification, therapy etc:
https://www.bsem.org.uk/pages/2-about
Captain Myers was very fortunate to be able to see the right specialists, get a diagnosis and be able to challenge the disgusting behaviour of his employer (Jetblue) all within 3 years of the fume event.
We commend his actions and thank him for this breakthrough - which will help many others in the future.
We wish him all the very best.