How To Cure a Sick Aircraft

By Judith Murawski

Aviation unions are trying to win recognition for an invisible but often serious health hazard.

Aviation workers know that airlines are essentially self-regulating when it comes to the safety and health of their employees. On the ground, an inadequate supply of outside air (or a supply of contaminated air) has been associated with "sick building syndrome" but "sick aircraft syndrome" has yet to be recognised. Airlines have been painting a picture of sick workers as malingerers. Also the financial problems of the industry have led to cutbacks that effect workers. The ITF is sponsoring an international taskforce on aircraft air quality.

(Transport International; no. 14, 2004)