After reviewing the recommendations of the House of Lord’s Science and Technology Committees recent ‘Air Travel and Health an Update’ the IPA has amended it’s information to members who have experienced an Aircraft Cabin Air Contamination event as follows;-

IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED AN AIR CONTAMINATION EVENT SUSPECTED TO EMINATE FROM LEAKING AIRCRAFT ENGINE OR HYDRAULIC OIL

1. Raise Tech Log entry and a MOR/ASR. The CAA need to know about it.

2. Send a copy of the MOR/ASR to the IPA office so that we can track it through the system. It is of concern that a very high percentage do not find their way on to the CAA's database and keep a copy yourself.

3. Notify the Aviation Health Unit at the CAA as they should now be co-ordinating all follow up actions;- Aviation Health Unit, Medical Department, CAA Safety Regulation Group, Aviation House, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex   RH6 0YR E-mail:  aviationhealthunit@caa.co.uk
   Telephone: 01293 573674

Should you manifest any of the symptoms listed below or the Company require you to attend a local medical establishment subsequent to an event , whether in UK or abroad, for a blood test it is a fair bet that facility will not have the expertise to decide what tests to conduct. So have them take a second sample and give it to you, follow their instructions on how to store it for later analysis.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE SAMPLES BE TAKEN AS SOON AS PRACTICLE AFTER THE EVENT

In consultation with your GP/AME you might consider contacting the following;

The IPA suggest blood tests for Organophosphate contamination can be conducted. Please note. Biolab Medical Unit no longer has the specialist working for them (retired). However we are endeavouring to locate another acceptable facility. Your GP/AME may offer suggestions.

Test Required;
Blood and Fat Tests;

Leucocytes, - Mg and Zn.

Superoxide Dismutase Studies,- Functional Test, Zn/Cu-SOD and Mn SOD.

DNA ADDUCTS (genomic DNA from Leucoytes),- ADDUCT or chemical Group, Quantity, Associated Gene (if identified), Related to (if known), Zinc ng/ml.

Volatile Organic Compounds, - (report on compounds above population average) report on both Blood and Fat samples.

Pesticides and related substances,- (report on compounds above population average) report on both Blood Serum and Fat samples.

Pesticides in Blood Cell Membranes.

TCP and Unidentified Organophosphates.

Cell Free DNA, - ug DNA per litre of plasma.

ATP Studies on neutrophils, - overview.

ATP whole Cells, - with excess Mg added, Endogenous Mg only, Ratio ATP/ATP MG with comments.

ADP to ATP conversion efficiency (Whole Cells), - ATP MG, ATP MG (inhibitor present), ATP MG (inhibitor removed), ADP to ATP efficiency and comments.

ADP- ATP Translocator [TL] (mitochondria, not whole cells), - Start ATP, [TL] ‘out’, [TL] ‘in’ and comments.

Niacin Status (Vit B3), - Red cell nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

Mitochondial membrane Translocator protein [TL]

Blood samples can be taken at the Brakespear Hospital, contact Jason Gidings on 01442 867286, website www.breakspearmedical.com He can also send samples to Prof Clem Furlong (cost £50) at the University of Washington School of Medicine to aid his research identifying biomarkers for OP exposure. See Skypointer 78 for further details or contact PJ.

You may also wish to contact Dr. Sarah Mackezie Ross at University College London, sub department of Clinical Health Psychology, tel no 020 7679 1897, e-mail  s.mackenzie-ross@ucl.ac.uk for neuropsychological tests. She is currently performing further research for the Dept. for Transport into Cabin Air Contamination.

Also Doctors Jamal and Julu at the Peripheral Nerve and Autonomic Unit, Imperial Collage, Dept of Neurology, Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton Lane, Park Royal, London NW10 7NS.

The Association is also seeking advice on specific lung function tests, where to have them conducted and by whom.

Your GP or AME should be able to arrange for these tests for you. Which ever Doctor you use be sure to inform the other. If further advice is required contact the IPA offices.

As it is a health and safety at work issue the IPF believes the NHS or your employer should provide these tests.

CABIN AIR CONTAMINATION (ENGINE/HYDRAULIC OIL)

Table 1. Symptoms typically associated with exposure to contaminated air.

Please keep the IPA/F office informed on how things are going and pass back any information or advice to benefit other members who might find themselves in a similar position in the future.

Copies of all relevant paperwork and tests would be appreciated to keep your file up to date should you find it necessary to take things any further in the future.

As you are no-doubt aware this is currently a highly contentious issue but be assured the IPA is actively participating in getting it resolved.

YOUR HELP IS ESSENTIAL.

Peter JacksonIPF Gen Sec