Air quality on the agenda for aviation unions

Cabin crew and pilots could soon benefit from a ground-breaking blood test. The test would prove exposure to one of the toxic compounds present in contaminated supply air on planes, according to the Global Cabin Air Quality Executive (GCAQE).

The GCAQE is an advocacy group with strong union participation. It is lobbying to clean up ‘bleed-air’: the air used inside the cabin, which is passed through the engines first. This air can be contaminated by elements within the engine oil, leading to serious safety concerns and long-term health problems for workers and passengers.

The GCAQE brought together high-profile representatives from unions and industry at a meeting from April 26-28 in London. They heard that the blood test being developed would allow workers to immediately tell if they had been affected by contamination on board.

The ITF is encouraging unions to get involved with the GCAQE, which was formed out of an ITF group on air quality formed in the late 1990s.

Gabriel Mocho, ITF civil aviation section secretary, said: "This group has done extensive research that will be very useful particularly for unions representing airline crew. We encourage our members to participate, learn from the findings and be part of the group."