Expert warns ‘clear gap’ in air regulations putting crews and passengers at risk

Calls have been made for the UK's airline industry regulator to do more to tackle contaminated environments on board flights.

Dr Susan Michaelis, of the University of Stirling and a former pilot, said a “clear gap'' between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) could be putting crews and passengers at risk.

The claims come ahead of a speech she will give to delegates at the International Aircraft Cabin Air Conference, taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

She said: “There is a clear gap between the CAA and the HSE when it comes to the application and enforcement of standards that should afford protections to both crew and the public in terms of the aircraft breathing air supply.

“The CAA are relied upon to take the lead on hazardous substances on aircraft, but it does not have the expertise in this area. The HSE does have the necessary expertise, however, they leave it to the CAA.

“In short, protections present under occupational health and safety regulations in Europe are not being applied to the issue of contaminated air in aircraft cabins.

“Occupational health and safety regulators are inadequately meeting their responsibilities to ensure health and safe air travel.''

Dr Michaelis will present her recently completed work into how oil leaks from aircraft engines into the cabin air supply during normal flight operations.

She is also set to review an incident last year which saw an A380 aircraft diverted into Vancouver with the entire crew being hospitalised after toxic fumes were reported in the cabin.

Meanwhile, Professor Andrew Watterson, of the university, will host a presentation on exposure standards in aviation