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HolidayTravelWatch Calls Air Passengers to Action on Sick Aircraft Syndrome


WEBWIRE

HolidayTravelWatch advise that they have received a steady flow of complaints from returning UK air passengers and holidaymakers, reporting a fume event or smoke event on board their aircraft, since 2007.

Passengers are reporting varying degrees of ill-health, with some continuing to suffer the aftereffects of their flight for many months thereafter.

The issue of fume events, smoke events or aerotoxic syndrome is not necessarily a new issue. In January 2004, The International Transport Workers Federation produced an article on ’How to Cure a Sick Aircraft’, setting out their plan on how to deal with Sick Aircraft Syndrome. They produced an online International Reporting System, encouraging not just professional airline crew but passengers to contribute to their database.

The issues raised in the article, set out many problems experienced by returning UK Holidaymakers, and reported to HolidayTravelWatch. The following is a small example of comments and complaints received from returning air passengers:

“During the flight I became aware of a strange smell within the plane which came and went but was consistent throughout the flight. People sat near to me also noted the smell and we made the cabin staff aware of the smell and our concerns” (7275).

“Symptoms started about 3-4 yrs ago, generally feeling under the weather and getting tired sooner. Would lead to a headache where he would be unable to function, pain relief did not work. Nausea would follow and the headache would last for 24-48 hours. The headaches became more often as time went on” (6014).

“smelt burning and fumes when the aircraft took off, when looking around she could see that others must have smelt the same thing, she also started to feel odd, light headed and thought she was going to pass out,she pressed the button for a steward after telling her husband she felt she was hallucinating and having visual disturbances, her heart was pounding When the steward came he explained that this was normal [NAME] did not accept this she has been on 5 flights this year and never experienced anything like that before. She did try and relax but by the time the plane landed her legs were trembling and she was shaking” (7124).

“who was 17 yrs old at the time of the flight has difficulty concentrating , she seems to have a permanent headache” (6828).

“Headaches , pins and needles” (6081).

“During the course of my flights, I became aware earlier this year of numbness in hands and feet (during flights), irritation of the eyes and sneezing (immediately post-flight) and chronic on-going tiredness” (7277).

“Since we have been back both my daughter and myself have had crackling on our right lungs and are using inhalers” (6755).

Frank Brehany, the MD of HolidayTravelWatch states:

“Following the BBC Panorama program, ’Something in The Air’, it is clear that the issues of pollutants within the cabins and cockpits of aircraft, remains a controversial topic. The issue is simple, whether the air we breathe on board aircraft is polluted with Carbon Monoxide or the combusted products of burning engine oil, there remains a substantial risk that passenger and crew health will continue to suffer, with the worst case scenario being a major flight incident. I call on all passengers experiencing either the issue of fume event, or illness on board an aircraft, to report these issues to the relevant authorities. I recommend that passengers should follow the action plan we have created. I have no doubt that 2008 will produce a similar, if not greater level of consumer reports to HolidayTravelWatch. I would urge all those concerned by such issues to sign our Global Petition to improve aircraft safety!”

All holidaymakers affected by any of these issues should call the National Helpline 08450179229 or make Contact through the Organisation’s website - www.holidaytravelwatch.com

HolidayTravelWatch is a National Consumer Organisation which provides Information, Advice and Assistance to the Holidaymaker or Independent Traveller, who experience problems with their travel arrangements. In 12 years, 145,000 people have benefitted from the help provided by HolidayTravelWatch, with over 46% being empowered to resolve their own claims through the information the Organisation provides on their Consumer Rights. HolidayTravelWatch has campaigned in the past for improvements in travel safety and is proud to have been associated with some of the leading broadcast and print media projects aimed at informing the Consumer.

HolidayTravelWatch continues with that campaigning spirit, and continues to work closely with the media and government departments alike.

Full details of the work of HolidayTravelWatch can be found on www.holidaytravelwatch.com

For further information on this press release and any other associated matters contact Frank Brehany on 08450179229 or through the website of HolidayTravelWatch.



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