AOCOPM 2024 Midyear Educational Conference-346719

346719 - Article 2

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The Loren Hatch Memorial Lecture, presented during the AOCOPM 2024 Midyear Educational Conference, by Richard C. Pleus, PhD, focused on cabin air quality events (CAQEs) in the aviation sector. As an aerospace toxicologist, Pleus has provided insights into numerous projects concerning human chemical exposure within aircraft environments. <br /><br />The talk delved into the fundamentals of toxicology pertinent to the aviation industry, including the unique atmospheric conditions faced during flight, which impact oxygen tension, humidity, and air pressure. The cabin air is notably replenished every 3-5 minutes, reducing potential risks from any hazardous chemicals.<br /><br />Pleus highlighted that CAQEs are often triggered by the detection of odors and are typically short-lived. While uncommon, exposure can lead to various symptoms. Most reported symptoms are temporary, including headaches, dizziness, and irritation of nose and throat, with little expected long-term effects. However, some rare occurrences have noted symptoms such as cognitive problems and airway irritation. <br /><br />Key chemicals of interest in these events include components from jet engine oils and hydraulic fluids, such as Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP) and Tributyl Phosphate (TBP), along with other combustion by-products like carbon monoxide. The lecture emphasized that the presence of these substances is often below detection levels in normal operations and remains significantly below established safety thresholds even in more noticeable events. Protective Action Criteria (PACs) were used as benchmarks for evaluating the safety of detected chemical levels.<br /><br />Authorities, including the Committee on Toxicity and the Aerospace Medical Association, generally concur that there is inadequate evidence linking CAQEs to long-term health effects or neurologic toxicity. The lecture concluded that CAQEs are typically non-hazardous, with symptoms resolving quickly once exposure ends, underscoring the rarity and minimal risk associated with these events.

Keywords

cabin air quality events

aviation toxicology

Richard C. Pleus

Tricresyl Phosphate

aircraft environments

jet engine oils

Protective Action Criteria

symptoms of exposure

aviation sector

AOCOPM 2024