The conference was held at Imperial College, London, on 20–21 April 2005. It was sponsored by the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA). Aviation air quality has been called an "issue" - but calling something an issue just buries it. Poor air quality in some types of aircraft is a problem. The "problem" has negative connotations but is a true reflection of the experiences of aircrew who have to ensure their own safety, and that of the passengers, when exposed to contaminated air while flying. The papers included in this volume are the presentations made at the Conference. In all, a breadth of topics was presented, and a wide range of issues explored. The papers in these proceedings cover the political dimension, the toxicological dimension, the medical dimensions, the experience of physicians working on the problem, and the psychological dimension. Two papers cover the military aspects of this problem. The way forward is also discussed with regard to air filtration. Some of the legal issues are examined that might arise if injured aircrew were to challenge their employers over exposure to jet oil mists and vapours and their consequent health effects. Due to the problems associated with carrying sample collection equipment on aircraft, Professor Christiaan van Netten has developed a tiny gas sampler which can be taken on aircraft and used during exposure events to collect air contaminants which can be analysed later. Although the conference was organised by a pilot's union, it was poorly attended by the airlines and aviation regulators - which was a pity. Their absence reinforced the feeling by the conference participants that these organisations remain in denial about the aviation air quality problem. The following conclusions were distilled from the conference: 1.) There is a workplace problem resulting in acute and chronic illness (among flight and cabin crew). 2.) The workplace in which these illnesses are being induced is the aircraft cabin environment. 3.) This problem is resulting in significant flight safety issues, in addition to unacceptable health implications for aircrew. 4.) Passengers may also be suffering from similar symptoms.
BALPA Air Safety and Cabin Air Quality International Aero Industry Conference, Imperial College, London, 20-21 April 2005