US bill would protect against toxic cabin air

Bicameral legislation introduced in the US Congress would protect against inflight toxic fumes by mandating installation of carbon monoxide detectors in aircrafts’ supply systems and establishing training and reporting requirements to help pilots crew members identify air contamination events in the cabin. Toxic fume events can occur when air contaminated by engine exhaust, fuel fumes, de-icing fluids and ozone flows through the jet engine intake and into the aircraft cabin. Passengers exposed to low levels of these fumes can become incapacitated, and long-term exposure could lead to “serious, debilitating health issues,” according to the bill’s co-sponsors. The bill directs airlines and manufacturers to install and operate carbon monoxide detectors in aircrafts’ air supply systems. <br/>