Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to prevent aircraft (a) passengers and (b) crew from the effects of fume events on aircraft.

Maintaining the safety record of UK aviation is something we take very seriously. That is why concerns raised about cabin air have been investigated at length over a number of years. These scientific research projects have not been able to confirm a link between perceived cabin air quality and illness. The results have shown that the cabin/cockpit air quality is similar or better than what is observed in normal indoor environments (offices, schools, or dwellings). No occupational exposure limits and guidelines were exceeded.

The Government supports further research being conducted by the European Aviation Safety Agency to test the chemical composition and possible toxicity of air samples, and the guidance produced by the International Civil Aviation Organisation to develop mitigation measures and ensure awareness and training to flight crew to enable them to prevent and respond to the presence of any fumes.