Passengers and crew members on airplanes have suffered severe brain injuries after being exposed to harmful fumes during flights. An investigation revealed that jet fuel leaks on aircraft have led to symptoms resembling Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition commonly seen in individuals involved in contact sports. Numerous “fume events” have been reported to the Federal Aviation Authority since 2010, many of which are associated with Airbus A320 planes.
One flight attendant, Florence Chesson, was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and nervous system damage after inhaling fumes on an A320 flight. Recounting her experience on a flight to Puerto Rico in December 2017, she described the onset of a foul odor permeating the cabin, causing her to feel drugged and struggle to breathe. She subsequently vomited, and upon landing, two colleagues were hospitalized due to similar symptoms.
Florence continued to experience worsening symptoms, leading to a diagnosis of permanent nervous system damage. Her doctor likened her brain damage to that seen in NFL players with CTE from head injuries. Over the past two decades, the same physician has treated 12 pilots and 100 flight attendants with comparable injuries from fume exposure. Airbus has been contacted for additional comments on the matter.
In a separate incident earlier this year, a British Airways flight from Dubai had to make an emergency landing due to passengers and crew falling ill from toxic fumes. The aircraft returned to Dubai International Airport, where emergency services awaited its arrival. British Airways stated that the return was prompted by a minor technical issue and most passengers were swiftly accommodated on alternative flights to reach their destinations promptly.
