Aerotoxic syndrome is an illness caused by inhaling contaminated air inside the cabin of an airplane. It can involve serious, long-term or permanent neurological and respiratory symptoms.
Those who have become ill due to toxic fumes in an airplane may qualify for financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain, suffering and more.
Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers is filing aerotoxic syndrome lawsuits on behalf of pilots, flight attendants and passengers who have developed neurological and/or respiratory symptoms as a result of inhaling toxic air on an airplane.
We are also handling workers’ compensation claims on behalf of pilots and flight attendants.
Our aerotoxic syndrome lawyers have been filing hazardous exposure lawsuits for over 35 years and have recovered over $750,000,000 for our clients. We are vastly experienced in helping victims of toxic exposure and this experience will allow us to recover fair compensation for you.
If you’ve been injured by contaminated cabin air, we won’t charge you any fee until we win your case.
Call us today for a FREE consultation at (800) 718-4658 or fill out our contact form if you or a loved one developed respiratory and/or neurological symptoms due to exposure to contaminated air on an airplane.
Table of Contents
- What Is Aerotoxic Syndrome?
- Aerotoxic Syndrome Symptoms
- Aerotoxic Syndrome Causes
- Who Is at Risk?
- Can You Sue Over Aerotoxic Syndrome?
- Scientific Evidence
- Proving Exposure to Toxic Cabin Air
- What Is My Lawsuit Worth?
- Notable Lawsuits and Settlements
- Statute of Limitations
- How We Can Help
- Contact Us Today
What Is Aerotoxic Syndrome?
The term “aerotoxic syndrome” was first coined in the year 2000 by scientists Chris Winder and Jean-Christophe Balouet. The scientists stated that the syndrome is associated with exposure to air contaminated by aircraft fluids such as engine oil, involves neurotoxicity, and can become a chronic syndrome.
The syndrome is largely caused by exposure to organophosphates – the same family of chemicals as sarin gas – in the cabin of an airplane. Organophosphates are used in nerve gases, nerve agents, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides.
Symptoms of Aerotoxic Syndrome
Aerotoxic syndrome can cause many adverse health effects, many of which some people simply chalk up to jet lag. These health effects include:
- Neurological symptoms: Memory impairment, headaches, disorientation, dizziness, tremors, balance problems, confusion, seizures, difficulty concentrating
- Respiratory symptoms: Sore eyes/nose/throat, wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing, irritation, shortness of breath, respiratory failure
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea
- Sensory symptoms: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Psychological symptoms: Panic attacks, anxiety, depression
- Long-term symptoms: Respiratory and neurological problems
- Other symptoms: Blood pressure spikes, aching muscles, nosebleeds, blurred vision, skin rashes, fatigue
Causes of Aerotoxic Syndrome
The two primary causes of aerotoxic syndrome are bleed air and fume events.
Bleed Air
“Bleed air” refers to the air in an airplane which comes into its cabin through its bleed air system. Bleed air systems involve air passing through an airplane’s engines into the cabin.
Bleed air systems use networks of regulators, valves and ducts to move air “bled” from engines into airplane cabins.
Once bleed air leaves the engine and passes through air conditioning, where the air is cooled, the bleed air gets mixed with recirculated cabin air prior to entering the cabin.
Recirculated air is filtered. However, jet engines operate at very high temperatures, so bleed air needs to be cooled. During the cooling process, bleed air is not filtered or cleaned, or any filtration done is not adequate.
An airplane’s cabin air supply, due to bleed air, can become contaminated with toxic engine oil which contains tricresyl phosphates (TCPs). TCPs are known to be neurotoxins, or nerve agents. These toxins specifically act on the central nervous system.
Bleed air also pre-pressurizes airplanes’ hydraulic systems. These hydraulic systems are under very high pressure, and this creates ruptures, leaks or “sweats.” This results in reduced cabin air quality because the engine bleed air gets contaminated with hydraulic fluid fumes.
Lawsuits are now being filed which allege that defendants have known about bleed air’s problems, such as toxic oil fumes, for a long time. The lawsuits allege that defendants have not taken the proper steps to monitor the air in airplanes or prevent toxic air from entering aircraft cabins.
Fume Events
“Fume events” are when noxious vapor, smoke or gas ends up in an airplane’s cabin.
These events sometimes produce strong odors, commonly described as oily, chemical or “dirty socks” smells.
When fume events occur, airborne toxicants and vapors contaminate the air of the cabin.
The toxicants include carbon monoxide (CO) from engine exhaust as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) due to incomplete combustion.
The vapors in contaminated cabin air can also include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).
These VOCs and SVOCs include TCPs, CO and N-Phenyl-1-naphthylamine.
CO poisoning can be fatal, and long-term exposure to CO can lead to flu-like symptoms, numbness, sleep disturbances, vision problems, and impaired concentration and memory.
According to the National Library of Medicine, repeated or prolonged exposure to N-Phenyl-1-naphthylamine can damage organs.
Fume events can cause passengers and crew members to inhale air containing toxic substances such as jet engine oil. They can cause passengers and crew members to experience short-term symptoms or chronic ill health.
Lawsuits are now being filed alleging that defendants haven’t adequately warned customers about the issues with and frequency of fume events in airplanes.
Who Is at Risk of Toxic Cabin Air Exposure?
Many people are at risk of developing aerotoxic syndrome, especially those who suffer repeated exposure to the air in airplanes.
Those who are at risk of developing aerotoxic syndrome include:
- Pilots and flight attendants
- Frequent flyers
- Business travelers
- Aircraft mechanics
- Aircraft cleaning crew
- Workers on older airplanes, which may have inferior filtration abilities
- Anyone exposed to fumes or smoke during a flight
You may benefit from speaking with our in-flight injury lawyers about your legal rights if you’ve been exposed to toxic fumes on an airplane.
Can You Sue Airlines Over Aerotoxic Syndrome?
Yes, toxic exposure lawsuits are possible under product liability – especially if the toxic exposure is due to defective aircraft components (see CACI No. 1200). They are also possible under claims of negligence or under workplace injury law. Airlines have a responsibility to keep their passengers and crew safe, whether that means preventing exposure to toxic fumes or in-flight sexual assaults.
Anyone who has developed aerotoxic syndrome due to exposure to toxic airplane cabin air can file a lawsuit. Those who may qualify to file a lawsuit include:
- Flight crew members
- Maintenance workers
- Passengers – frequent flyers or those harmed in fume events – especially when airline negligence leads to fume exposure
Defendants in aerotoxic syndrome cases might include:
- Aircraft manufacturers
- Negligent airlines
- Maintenance contractors or parts suppliers
Scientific Evidence Behind Aerotoxic Syndrome
- A 2025 study reported that pilots’ cognitive performance differs from the performance of the general population, resembling that of groups who are exposed to organophosphates such as pesticides. The study also describes case studies involving neurological impairment after inhalation of toxic cabin air.
- A 2023 study stated that inhalation of hydraulic fluid and engine oil fumes on airplanes is “increasingly recognized” to lead to long-term and acute respiratory, neurological and cardiological symptoms.
- A 2024 study concluded that chronic exposure to nanoparticle aerosols, carrying derivatives of engine oil, may cause aerotoxic syndrome. The researchers advocate for nanoparticle measuring equipment being made available in cockpits for monitoring of bleed air.
Proving Toxic Cabin Air Exposure
You will need evidence to prove that you were exposed to toxic cabin air and that this caused you to develop aerotoxic syndrome.
This evidence may include:
- Medical records: It is crucial to maintain detailed records of medical visits and symptoms.
- Flight logs: Flight logs and other records showing your date of exposure will be important.
- Testimony: It will be important to have testimony from coworkers or other passengers.
- Expert analysis: It will be vital to have expert analysis of cabin air quality.
Experienced toxic exposure lawyers can help you collect the evidence you need and hire experts to analyze your case and testify on your behalf.
What Is My Aerotoxic Syndrome Lawsuit Worth?
The value of your aerotoxic syndrome lawsuit will depend on the specific damages you have suffered.
Our law firm can help you recover financial compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses: We can help you recover compensation for any medical bills you already owe in connection with your aerotoxic syndrome. We can also help you recover money to compensate you for the costs of any future medical treatments you’ll need.
- Lost wages: If you have to miss work due to being too sick to work, or need to miss work to attend medical appointments, we can help you recover the wages you lose.
- Loss of earning capacity: If you have lost a job, such as a job as a pilot or airplane crew member, due to a disability caused by aerotoxic syndrome, we can help you recover compensation for the loss of your earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: We can recover financial compensation for the physical pain, mental suffering and emotional distress caused by aerotoxic syndrome.
- Diminished quality of life: If the quality of your life has suffered due to aerotoxic syndrome, we can help you recover compensation for this.
- Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one due to aerotoxic syndrome, we can help you recover compensation which will help prevent your family from going through financial hardship due to the loss of your loved one.
Notable Aerotoxic Syndrome Lawsuits and Settlements
Notable lawsuits and settlements involving aerotoxic syndrome include:
JetBlue Pilot Workers’ Comp Settlement
In 2020, Oregon’s Workers’ Compensation Board ruled in favor of a JetBlue pilot who allegedly suffered a toxic fume event which ended his career in 2017.
His claim was denied by the carrier, but the board ruled in the pilot’s favor, accusing airlines of concerning themselves more with keeping planes in the air than with the safety of workers.
The pilot allegedly suffered from symptoms such as migraines, confusion, stuttering and severe tremors due to toxic encephalopathy, saccadic eye movement deficiency, convergence insufficiency and neurocognitive disorder.
One day before the event, customers and flight attendants on the plane the pilot was scheduled to fly ended up reporting a foul, strong odor in the cabin during the landing descent.
The following day, prior to takeoff, the pilot tried to isolate the fumes’ source by performing engine runs. This ended up producing a foul odor through the airplane.
The pilot and his first officer developed headaches immediately and started coughing, needing to leave the plane for fresh air. The pilot developed tremors, shortness of breath, and arm/hand numbness.
It was concluded that what probably occurred was that burning oil leaked through an engine seal and into the ventilation system.
The pilot ended up developing symptoms over the next few months which ended his career, and multiple doctors concluded the symptoms were due to the fume event.
$30 Million Lawsuit Against Airbus
In May 2025, it was announced that a flight attendant with United Airlines had sued aircraft manufacturer Airbus for $30 million.
In April 2023, the flight attendant was working onboard a United Airlines flight. After the airplane had landed safely, the auxiliary power unit (APU) of the aircraft was engaged to maintain electrical systems and air conditioning. After the APU was engaged, a strong chemical odor allegedly entered the cabin, causing the flight attendant to rapidly develop symptoms such as nausea, burning eyes, burning skin and choking.
Emergency responders recorded increased CO levels and elevated blood pressure in the flight attendant, and an X-ray on her chest displayed lung irregularities which suggested chemical inflammation or irritation.
The attendant later suffered from sustained high blood pressure, fainting episodes and severe skin rashes, and allegedly now suffers from recurrent nosebleeds, chronic headaches, hypertension and throat sensitivity. She alleges she suffered throat lining damage which has impaired her voice. She allegedly suffers neurological symptoms which profoundly affect her ability to work and quality of life.
The lawsuit alleges that Airbus negligently designed the airplane’s environmental control systems, which allow toxic chemicals to enter the cabin.
JetBlue Pilot Files Lawsuit Against Airbus
In 2022, a JetBlue pilot filed a lawsuit against Airbus alleging that a fume event caused him to suffer an acute brain injury.
The lawsuit alleges that the pilot, upon landing, immediately noticed a “dirty sock” smell after turning on the air conditioner. The plaintiff allegedly had difficulty coherently speaking within 20 to 30 minutes, feeling confused, dizzy and intoxicated.
The plaintiff subsequently experienced numerous symptoms including memory and cognitive abnormalities, visual dysfunction, dizziness, fatigue, coordination/balance abnormalities, anxiety and headache.
In November 2020, the pilot’s medical certification got revoked due to a history of acute brain injury.
He was able to return to flying in December of 2021, but suffered a relapse of symptoms in April 2022 while traveling as a passenger on an airplane. Since then, the pilot has allegedly been unable to return to work, experiencing renewed symptoms like vision difficulties and other physical and neurological impairments.
2011 Boeing Settlement
In 2011, a former flight attendant won a settlement after suing Boeing. The lawsuit alleged that Boeing employed faulty engineering which allowed toxic fumes into the airplane cabin, harming those inside.
The lawsuit alleged that bleed air can lead to memory loss, headaches and tremors.
2018 Spirit Airlines Lawsuit
In 2018, a woman filed a lawsuit against Spirit Airlines, alleging a strong odor in the airplane caused her to suffer serious, permanent injuries.
The lawsuit described the smell as being a “fetid, noxious, burning odor” which caused her to suffer “extreme pain and suffering” and require hospitalization. Numerous passengers on the flight were allegedly sickened by the odor, with some needing to be hospitalized.
How Long Do I Have to File a Toxic Cabin Air Lawsuit?
The amount of time you’ll have to file an aerotoxic syndrome lawsuit will depend upon the state law applicable to your claim.
In California, the statute of limitations will usually be two years from the date of the injury. However, something known as the discovery rule may apply here. This means that if symptoms only appear later, you actually have two years from the date that you discovered that you were injured and that the injury was caused by exposure to toxic fumes on an airplane to file a lawsuit.
There are other exceptions to the two year time limit – some shorten the time limit and some lengthen it.
We are familiar with the statute of limitations in all 50 states and all of the exceptions to the various time limits. Call us today for a FREE consultation at (800) 718-4658 to find out if you still have a valid claim.
How We Can Help You
Our aerotoxic syndrome attorneys can help you by providing you with:
- Specialized expertise: We possess a strong understanding of aerotoxic syndrome, its legal implications and its causes.
- Investigation and evidence collecting: We conduct meticulous investigations to collect evidence linking your exposure to health issues, including flight data, expert opinions and medical records.
- Legal representation: We represent clients and file lawsuits against aircraft manufacturers or airlines, seeking to recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses and lost wages.
- Negotiation and litigation: We negotiate settlements and litigate cases in court to make sure our clients receive fair compensation.
- Client advocacy: We provide guidance and legal counsel to clients through the entire legal process, protecting their legal rights.
- Experience with hazardous exposure cases: We have been handling toxic exposure cases for over three and a half decades. This allows us to utilize a vast amount of knowledge.
- A contingency fee arrangement: You only need to pay us a fee once we win your case.
Contact Our Aerotoxic Syndrome Attorneys Today
Call us today for a FREE consultation at (800) 718-4658 or fill out our contact form if you or a loved one developed health consequences after being exposed to contaminated air in an airplane.
We can file a lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim on your behalf seeking compensation for your losses.
We’ve been handling toxic exposure cases for over three and a half decades and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We are vastly experienced in handling cases just like yours and this experience will allow us to maximize your compensation.
Remember: we won’t charge any fee until we win your case.
Call us today.
