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NBC Today reported on June 23, 2015 that four flight attendants who were taken seriously ill after complaining of noxious chemical fumes in the cabin of Alaska Airlines Flight 769 on July 12, 2013, have filed a lawsuit against Boeing. Two flight attendants passed out. The flight made an emergency landing in Chicago. All four were rushed by paramedics to the hospital because they were sick, disoriented and struggling to concentrate.  Three of the four flight attendants have yet to return to work, two years later, because they say tremors, neurological and memory problems still prevent them from returning to work. Boeing, the world's biggest plane manufacturer is being sued by the four flight attendants because they claim that Boeing knew about the defect that would allow toxic fumes to leak through the engines and into the cabin. These fumes can cause serious illnesses.

What is toxic air?

Toxic air may enter the cabin through a bleed-air system, which draws outside air through the aircraft engine and pumps it into the cabin. Drawing air from the engine is not normally a problem reports The Chicago Tribune (June 23, 2015), but sometimes, for example when certain valves and seals leak, engine oil and byproducts can mix with drawn-in air, forcing harmful fumes into the airplane cabin.

What are the symptoms of toxic air inhalations?

Dr. Stephen J. Schueler , a recognized authority, says that symptoms of toxic inhalations include difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, headache, and vomiting. Additional symptoms of toxic inhalations may include chest pain, coughing blood, fever, cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygen in the blood), fainting, confusion and seizure.

How serious is the problem?

In 2011 there were approximately 28,000 flights a day and of these flights, at least one U.S.-registered commercial jetliner a day had pilots, flight attendants and passengers exposed to toxic smoke or fumes. These fumes entered the plane's air conditioning systems. There were documented incidents where the contaminated air contained tricresyl phosphates (TCPs), carbon monoxide and other toxic components, according to a report by an MSNBC reporter in October 2011.

What are airplane manufacturers doing to prevent toxic fumes?

The Air Safety, Health & Security Department (ASHSD) reported on June 20, 2015 that last year Boeing debuted the Dreamliner B787. According the ASHSD the B787 is the only commercial “bleed-free” aircraft flying today. This plane is specifically, uniquely equipped with an electrically-driven compressor. Boeing believes that with the electrically-driven compressor there should be no risk of the cabin and flight deck ventilation air being contaminated with toxic engine oil smoke and fumes.

"If you or a family member have flown on an airplane and subsequently became mysteriously ill with headaches, trouble breathing or other symptoms, these symptoms might be the result of breathing toxic fumes that can circulate throughout commercial airline cabins. Contact an experienced attorney immediately for a free consultation in order to review your rights," said Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Southwest Florida Accident Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.