DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are considering a bill that protects airline employees and passengers from toxic fume events on planes, which can lead to some serious health issues.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants’ Allie Malis said exposure to fumes could occur on most planes.
“It stems from the bleed air filtration system that is on every airplane that you may fly except for the Boeing 787 aircraft, which has a different air filtration system,” she said. “It can cause headaches, neurological issues. We’ve had flight attendants who’ve been hospitalized. It’s really important when these events occur to seek medical attention.”
The bill would require the FAA to standardize reporting procedures, maintain a database, and conduct investigations in the event that someone involved requires medical attention.
Malis said she hopes Congress passes the bill and it becomes law because safety during air travel is important everyone.
“Air travel is shared space and so when passengers buy a ticket and they’re expecting safe passage a safe flight and so hopefully we can ensure that it’s the safest possible air that you might be breathing,” she said.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Representative John Garamendi (CA-3).
The AFPA, which represents 24,000 American Airlines flight attendants, said they’re thankful for the effort.
“Toxic fume events in the airplane cabin have long been a concern for Flight Attendants, aviation professionals, and passengers due to the long-term health consequences they can cause, so we are grateful to see legislation introduced yesterday,” said the AFPA statement.
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