 A recent study on 26 pilots in the USA discovered organophosphates in their blood and fatty tissues. |
In September 2009, BBC Radio 4’s Today programme interviewed Breakspear Medical Group's Dr Peter Julu, Specialist Autonomic Neurophysiologist and Consultant Physician regarding the toxic air that is circulated into airplane cockpits and cabins.
Dr Julu stated that his tests on British, American, German, Dutch and Australian pilots suffering from memory loss and other symptoms leave no doubt that they were poisoned by contaminated air used to pressurise cabins. He has collaborated with scientists from around the world to test pilots suffering from what has been termed “aerotoxic syndrome”.
Following the interview, several newspapers, including the Telegraph and Daily Mail, ran stories on this hot topic, quoting Dr Julu’s research and comments.
Dr Julu's study on aerotoxic syndrome
Dr Julu has examined 19 pilots and found links between fume contaminated cabin air and chronic medical problems in these pilots.
The pilots were experiencing neurological symptoms such as memory loss, tremors, lethargy and poor cognitive functions. These were associated with and reinforced by other non-specific symptoms of aerotoxic syndrome, for example, flu-like illnesses that do not go away.
Dr Julu conducted what he called “target-organ orientated examination of the autonomic nervous system”, which he believes can give firm evidence of nerve damage caused by chemical contamination and other neurotoxins.
His clinical findings concluded that there are damages to the part of the brain that controls vital bodily processes, including breathing and heart rate, and the pattern of these damages matched that seen in farmers and other workers exposed to organophosphates in sheep dip.
A recent study on 26 pilots in United States of America discovered organophosphates in their blood and fatty tissues. The organophosphates found in the pilots’ bodies are the usual additives of lubricating oil used in aircraft engines.
While Dr Julu does not believe that passengers are at high risk, mainly because they do not fly frequently enough, like commercial pilots, other researchers and even flight crews believe that passengers should be concerned.
Aircraft manufacturers deny that their aeroplanes are putting the health of those that fly at risk.
Tests for concerned flight crew
For flight crews interested in completing Dr Julu’s series of tests, telephone 01442 261 333 and make an appointment or email your name and address to: info@breakspearmedical.com You will then be sent some patient questionnaires to complete prior to your appointment.
The following additional biochemical tests may be run to determine toxicity levels:
- Hematology & Biochemistry with electrolytes (BH1)
- Bisphosphoglycerate (2-3 BPG) and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
When the outcomes of investigations are available, patients will be referred to one of our specialist doctors for a customised treatment programme. |
