7.25.17 – Cabin Air Quality Legislation

WASHINGTON – The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) strongly backs the Cabin Air Safety Act of 2017, sponsored by Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), union leaders said today.

“When your workplace is 30,000 feet above the ground, you can’t step outside for a breath of fresh air,” said APFA President Bob Ross. “Crew members and passengers must have a clean, healthy environment during air travel – and the Cabin Air Safety Act is a major step in the right direction.”

APFA joins the National Consumers League and several labor organizations representing aviation workers in backing the legislation introduced by Sen. Blumenthal and co-sponsored by Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Sen. Ed. Markey (D-MA.)

The bill addresses the hazards presented by current technology, which draws aircraft cabin air through a plane’s engines. The process results in thousands of toxic fume events each year.  Several recent incidents have resulted in illness for flight attendants, in some cases requiring hospitalization. In one instance, several flight attendants suffered chronic symptoms and are unable to continue working.

The Air Cabin Safety Act requires carbon monoxide sensors installed on all aircraft; mandates training for crew members on how to recognize and respond to toxic fume events; and requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to record, monitor and investigate future incidents.

“No worker – ever – should face the risk of serious illness just by doing his or her job,” said Ross. “And no passenger should be at risk when he or she boards a plane. We’re grateful to Senators Blumenthal, Feinstein and Markey for working to improve aviation safety, and we’re proud to join labor and consumer organizations in this effort to guarantee safe, clean air on U.S. passenger planes.”