How healthy is the air you breathe in airplanes? There have long been claims that cabin air contaminated by engine oil is putting at risk the health of millions of passengers every year. This air often comes directly from the engines, where it is heated and compressed. In the event of an oil leak, potentially toxic chemicals can enter into the plane’s air supply. Many pilots and air stewards claim their health has been seriously affected by these leaks. Some have been left unable to work for years. But the airlines deny there is a problem. We investigate aerotoxic syndrome.
