What to Do If You’re Exposed to Toxic Airplane Fumes

Lots of people are nervous flyers. In addition to perhaps the most obvious concern—plane crashes—or worries about lost luggage, delays, or short connection times, people worry about their health on a flight, too.

People tend to be concerned about catching germs while on flights, which could be anything from the common cold to flu or other illnesses. They worry about ear pain from cabin pressure changes, or motion sickness-related issues.

But now, there’s another thing to consider: Toxic fumes. 

Earlier this year, a Delta flight made an emergency landing after its cabin filled with hazy smoke. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports, this is not unusual. Smoke or fume events happen more than three times a day, and exposure to the toxic fumes can cause illness.

Although this is making headlines right now, it’s not a new problem. One flight attendant reported in 2016 that she passed out because of a chemical odor on a flight. The United Nations has recognized fume events as a flight safety risk since 2015.

On that particular flight, one flight attendant complained the substance smelled like “dirty feet.” Another struggled to breathe, and then began to vomit. Yet another received emergency oxygen. The two latter crew members were transported to a hospital by ambulance when the flight landed. The individual who first reported the smell was later diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and permanent nervous system damage because of the inhaled fumes.

In the February incident, thick wafts of smoke were pushing through the cabin vents during the flight. The flight attendant advised passengers to cover their faces with their clothes and stay as low as possible.  

Although most odors you might experience on a plane aren’t toxic (and aren’t even vapors), these fumes are described as smelling like “wet dog,” “Cheetos,” or “nail polish,” and they sicken passengers and can affect pilots’ vision and reaction times. Some individuals aren’t affected, or they have mild symptoms.

What are the toxic fumes on airplanes?

Since 2010, the FAA has received thousands of reports about toxic fumes that leak from a jet’s engine into the cockpit or cabin. 

Nearly every modern commercial jetliner, except the Boeing 787, has a “bleed air” system that pulls breathing air through the engine. An increase in leaks on Airbus A320 jets has contributed to more incidents in recent years. 

Airbus and Boeing have acknowledged malfunctions that can lead to oil and hydraulic fluid leaks into the engines or power units. The fluid then vaporizes at extreme heat, releasing unknown quantities of neurotoxins, carbon monoxide, and other chemicals into the air inside the plane. 

Typically, about half the air on a flight is pulled from the outdoors. The engine pulls cold, low-density air through its fans. The air is compressed and heated as it passes through the engine. It then “bleeds” into the cabin and mixes with existing recirculated air.

Inside the compressor, there are oil-lubricated bearings. There are seals that are meant to stop leaks, but these seals can wear and degrade over time. If that happens, the oil can get into the air and vaporize in the heat. If that happens, toxic compounds are released into the air. 

The contaminated air passes into air conditioning packs in the aircraft’s body, and then into the cockpit and cabin. An oxygen mask does not protect a crew member or passenger from breathing this contaminated air. 

Plane manufacturers and airlines have downplayed the risks of these toxic fume events. They say they’re too infrequent and the levels of contamination are too low to warrant spending money on fixing the planes for this. Boeing representatives are quoted as saying that the cabin air is safe, the level of contaminants is low, and safety standards are being met. 

According to the FAA, this is a much larger problem than the manufacturers and airlines are willing to admit. Both JetBlue and Spirit airlines had a 660% increase in these incidents on their A320 planes between 2016 and 2024.

What are the health effects of airplane fumes?

The flight attendant who was affected in 2016 said she awoke the next morning feeling like her brain was on fire. Her husband claimed her body emanated a chemical smell that lasted weeks. The individual had a full medical exam just a few months earlier and she was known to be in good health. After the fumes, a physician diagnosed a pattern of brain damage that matched injuries in soldiers who were exposed to gases during combat.

She developed migraines, heart arrhythmias, and severe sensitivity to light, sound, and everyday chemicals. She remains mostly housebound as a result. 

Her neurology specialist indicated that most patients who suffer from a fume event have less severe incidents that eventually lead to a larger related health diagnosis.

Airplane fuel events are also sometimes called “aerotoxic syndrome.”

Aerotoxic Syndrome (airplane fume exposure health risks)
Short-term/immediate health effects	Potential longer-term health effects
Respiratory issues, like coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and sore throat Neurological effects, such as dizziness, headaches, confusion, difficulty concentrating Eye and skin irritation, or burning eyes, blurred vision, and rashes Gastrointestinal upset like nausea or vomiting Unusual odors and tastes, such as a “dirty sock” or “chemical” smell	Chronic respiratory problems, such as persistent cough or asthma-like sympstoms Neurological issues like memory loss, tremors, fatigue, and impaired coordination Mood and cognitive effects including anxiety, depression, and difficulty focusing Chemical sensitivity, or heightened reactions to even low-level exposures later

This is especially important for sensitive passengers like children, elderly travelers, and people who have other lung conditions who may react more strongly.

What should you do if you’ve been affected by toxic airplane fumes?

1. Recognize the earliest symptoms of aerotoxic syndrome

• Headache, dizziness, confusion
• Breathing problems, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness
• Eye or throat irritation
• Nausea of unusual chemical taste
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty concentrating

2. Alert the flight crew and document the details

• Notify flight attendants or pilots immediately if you experience these symptoms mid-flight. 
• Document the event, including the flight number, airline, your seat location, what you smell, and when symptoms began. 
• Get witness accounts, particularly if other people near you are also experiencing symptoms, and obtain their contact information.

3. Seek medical attention promptly

• Visit a doctor or emergency department immediately after landing, even if your symptoms feel mild. 
• Request a blood test and neurological exam to detect chemicals. 
• Maintain medical records, lab results, and doctor notes related to the incident.

4. Make a report to the involved parties

• Ask the airline how to submit a passenger incident report. 
• Use the FAA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) to report to the agency. 
• If you’re a crew member, report the event to your union and occupational health program.

5. Consider a consultation with a personal injury attorney

• Find an attorney who is experienced in aviation accidents or toxic exposure cases.
• Your attorney can help preserve evidence such as maintenance records or air sampling data, and explore the possibility of compensation for medical costs, lost wages, or long-term disability.

6. Monitor your long-term health

• Maintain a diary of symptoms and note anything you experience, including fatigue, headaches, memory problems, or breathing difficulties. 
• Follow up regularly with your doctor or a specialist in occupational or environmental medicine.

If you suspect you’ve been affected by toxic airplane fumes, don’t brush it off as jet lag, or something else. Seek medical care, document the incident thoroughly, file reports, and consider legal advice, especially if symptoms persist. Acting quickly helps protect both your health and your rights.