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Toxicity investigation ‘a wasted opportunity’
19 October 2007
After studying the decision by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to test aircraft cabins for the presence of toxic fumes, the ITF today stated that it regrets that the chance to mount an urgent full-scale investigation has not been taken.
As set out by the Department of Health (www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/cotnonfood/index.htm) the health department’s Committee on Toxicity will now investigate reports of fume-filled cabins and their effect on pilots’ ability to fly safely. However, the Federation says, the new effort is based on insufficient study of existing evidence, and falls short of the wide ranging epidemiological study required.
Ingo Marowsky, ITF Civil Aviation Secretary, commented: “For years we’ve been pushing for a proper study of the dangers presented by toxic fumes to the long term health of crew, to passengers and to the safety of the plane itself. If we thought this was it we’d welcome it unreservedly. Sadly, we can’t.”
He continued: "The report by the Committee of Toxicity on which this is based fails to take steps to prevent the continued exposure of pilots, cabin crew and passengers to known toxic chemicals released when the air supply on commercial aircraft becomes contaminated. The ability of the Committee to properly investigate these matters in the manner that the gravity of the situation demands is therefore in doubt.”
ENDS
For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk
International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail@itf.org.uk
Web: www.itfglobal.org
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