AOCOPM 2024 Midyear Educational Conference-B - Toxicology Hot Topics Part I: Smoke Odor Fumes (SOF)/Fume Smoke Events (FuSE)

B - Toxicology Hot Topics Part I: Smoke Odor Fumes (SOF)/Fume Smoke Events (FuSE) - Richard Pleus, PhD, MS

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker, a professional toxicologist with a family background in aviation, discussed the topic of air cabin quality, specifically focusing on fume events or odor events on aircraft. These events occur when jet engine oil or hydraulic fluid leaks, causing odors that resemble dirty gym bags or socks. Symptoms of such exposure include headaches, dizziness, and nausea, with rare severe symptoms like tremors and confusion.<br /><br />The speaker emphasized fundamental toxicology principles, particularly that health risk is linked to hazard times exposure, and that dose makes the poison. They explained potential contaminants like tricresyl phosphate (TCP), hydraulic fluids, and combustion byproducts. While tricresyl phosphate is a small component of jet engine oil, its harmful isomer, triorthocresyl phosphate (TOCP), poses limited risk at low exposure levels typical in cabin air.<br /><br />The speaker also addressed misconceptions about aerotoxic syndrome, which is not recognized by medical associations, and the importance of basing assessments on objective tests and thorough medical histories. They highlighted the need for understanding exposure levels and the difference between toxicological and physiological reactions. <br /><br />Ultimately, the presentation underscored the importance of scientific accuracy in toxicology, especially regarding public concern about aircraft air quality and the need for professionals to communicate these nuances effectively.

Keywords

air cabin quality

fume events

toxicology

tricresyl phosphate

aerotoxic syndrome

exposure symptoms

jet engine oil

public concern

scientific accuracy