Read more at Wall Street Journal

>> Read Article With No Paywall <<

The tragic case of Ron Weiland and others highlighted in this article suggests a significant, though debated, link between aircraft “fume events” and severe neurodegenerative or cardiovascular diseases.

The Case of Ron Weiland

• The Incident: In 2016, pilot Ron Weiland experienced a severe “fume event” on a Boeing 767, characterized by an intense engine oil smell and a thick fog in the cockpit.
• Rapid Decline: Within months, the physically fit 54-year-old lost motor coordination (first noticed during a ping pong game) and began slurring his speech.
• Diagnosis and Death: He was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in 2017 and died in 2019. Before his death, he repeatedly used an iPad to communicate the word “fumes.”
• Legal Outcome: His widow sued Boeing, alleging the toxic exposure triggered his disease; Boeing denied the link but settled the case in 2022 just before jury selection.

Understanding Fume Events

• Mechanism: Fume events occur when synthetic engine oils or hydraulic fluids leak into an aircraft’s “bleed air” system, which siphons air from the engines into the cabin and cockpit.
• Toxic Content: These leaks can release toxic gases, including formaldehyde and chemicals similar to those found in pesticides.
• Frequency: Reports of these events have surged, occurring nearly 10 times more often in 2024 than a decade ago.

Broader Health Evidence and Patterns

• Neurological Links: Research has found that acute exposure to formaldehyde increases the risk of ALS by 78%. A Harvard-led study also found pilots have the fourth-highest mortality rate from Alzheimer’s among all occupations.
• Forensic Findings: A Dutch pathologist reported finding a specific pattern of toxic-induced inflammation in the autopsies of 18 separate flight crew members.
• Mental Health and Suicide: Former JetBlue pilot David Dunlap found that the suicide rate among the airline’s pilots was twice the national average. Specialists suggest chemical exposure can damage the brain’s frontal lobe, impairing impulse control and mood.
• Cardiovascular Risks: Other cases, such as Spirit Airlines pilot James Anderberg, involved pilots nearly losing consciousness mid-flight and dying of cardiac arrest shortly after exposure.

Industry and Regulatory Stance

• Boeing’s Position: The company maintains that cabin air is safe and that research into long-term health effects is “inconclusive.” They note their designs are FAA-approved.
• Causation Dispute: While medical professionals see a clear “pattern,” direct causation is difficult to prove, partly because airlines and manufacturers have historically resisted installing air quality monitors on planes.
• Legislative Action: Following recent investigations, members of Congress have asked the FAA to accelerate efforts to address fume events and improve reporting mechanisms for passengers and crew.