A recent investigation by The Wall Street Journal has brought renewed attention to “fume events” aboard commercial aircraft , where toxic fumes from engine oil or hydraulic fluids enter cabins and cockpits through what’s known as the bleed-air system. Crew reports indicate the frequency of such events has climbed dramatically in recent years, with symptoms ranging from odd smells to more serious neurologic and respiratory harm.

Airlines and manufacturers maintain that cabin air remains safe for passengers and crew under existing standards, and that many reported fume events are mild and transient. But for many aircrew, the effects have been anything but mild. As such, physicians involved in these cases are calling for more research, better reporting, and stronger regulations.

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