The syndrome that affects the health of frequent flyers and few know about it... Here’s how to prevent

If you fly often, you’re probably used to turbulence, cramped legs, and stale snacks. But there’s another risk that could be far more serious – and most travelers have never even heard of it. Known as aerotoxic syndrome, this little-known condition has been quietly debated in the aviation world for years. Now it’s gaining legal recognition.

In late 2023, a French court ruled in favor of a former Airbus pilot who claimed that toxic air in the cockpit caused him chronic health issues, including neurological damage and respiratory illness. The ruling classified his condition as a workplace injury and ordered the country’s Social Security system to grant him disability pay. It’s one of the first times a national court has explicitly acknowledged the syndrome.

What is aerotoxic syndrome and how does it happen?

The problem starts with how cabin air is supplied. On nearly all commercial aircraft, air for passengers and crew comes from the engines – literally. It’s called “bleed air,” drawn off and compressed before being piped into the cabin. While there are filters to catch microbes and particles, those systems can’t capture toxic gases and chemical residues from the engine itself.

Under normal conditions, small amounts of engine oil, hydraulic fluids, and other chemical compounds can leak into the air. One of the most dangerous is tricresyl phosphate (TCP), a substance also used in pesticides and, disturbingly, chemical weapons. It’s found in synthetic jet oils for its flame-retardant and anti-corrosion properties, and even in low doses, repeated exposure may cause lasting harm.

You can’t smell or see it. But breathe it often enough, and the effects can mount.

Serious symptoms, often misdiagnosed

Aerotoxic syndrome isn’t a disease in the traditional sense. There’s no single test for it. But a growing number of flight crews and frequent flyers report a pattern of symptoms: headaches, dizziness, memory issues, blurred vision, nausea, difficulty breathing, and nerve-related problems. Some suffer long-term damage. Others are misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue or psychological conditions.

In fact, researchers have found antibodies targeting brain tissue and signs of nerve degeneration in some affected individuals. One 2021 study cited by the World Health Organization estimated that over three million people globally could be suffering effects from contaminated cabin air every year.

What can be done and how can you protect yourself?

The most effective solution would be for airlines to change how they supply air. One aircraft already does: the Boeing 787 Dreamliner uses electrically compressed air, meaning it doesn’t draw from the engines. That avoids the bleed air problem entirely.

Short of that, the pressure is on airlines to switch to safer oils, cleaning products, and pesticides, and to install air contamination detectors. But progress is slow. So far, there’s little regulation or legal limit on what levels of these toxins are considered acceptable on board.

As a passenger, your options are limited, but here’s what you can do:

• Fly less frequently if you can, especially if you’ve experienced symptoms after flying
• Request aircraft model details when booking: newer models like the 787 may be safer
• Use a high-quality personal air filter or mask, especially if you’re sensitive to chemicals
• If you feel unwell during or after a flight, report it to your doctor and the airline – and keep records

Above all, don’t brush off strange symptoms as jet lag or nerves if they persist. You might be breathing in more than just recycled air.

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