Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 December 2024. It was answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 December 2024 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Aircraft: Oil

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential health effects, including for gene expression, for passengers and crew on commercial aircraft exposed to engine oil or engine oil decomposition products.

Answer: In 2007, the independent Committee on Toxicity (COT) undertook a review of cabin air contamination, including by products such as engine oil and engine oil decomposition products. The COT concluded that the evidence available did not establish a link between cabin air contamination and ill health but made some recommendations for further research. This was further reviewed in 2013, 2022 and 2024, concluding it unlikely that the levels of chemical contaminants in the aircraft cabin air are unlikely to cause adverse health effects following acute or long-term exposures.

Secondary information