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Reports of toxic fumes entering the cabins and cockpits of commercial airliners have increased in recent years, according to a recent investigation by The Wall Street Journal. These so-called "fume events" occur when engine oil or hydraulic fluids enter the aircraft through the bleed-air system, which is responsible for pressurizing the cabin.
Airlines and aircraft manufacturers state that cabin air remains safe under current standards and that most reported fume events are mild and short-lived. However, some aircrew members report more severe health effects. Physicians treating affected crew have called for additional research, improved reporting practices, and stronger regulations.
Data from The Wall Street Journal indicates that thousands of fume event reports have been filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since 2010. Notably, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines—both operating primarily Airbus A320 family jets—have seen a 660% increase in reported incidents compared to earlier levels. Crew members describe symptoms such as blurred vision, brain fog, headaches, tremors, nausea, and in some cases permanent nerve or brain damage. One flight attendant described collapsing mid-flight and later testing positive for neurological injury; doctors note these symptoms can resemble concussions seen in professional athletes.
