Pilots find toxins on passenger jets

SECRET tests by pilots and flight crews on passenger jets have uncovered traces of a neuro-toxin known to cause chronic health problems.

The results have prompted a call from a leading toxicologist for the aviation industry to fund a proper study to see whether the levels of tricresyl phosphate (TCP) found on passenger jets during the survey are harmful.

High levels of TCP can cause headaches, nausea dizziness, blurred vision and paralysis.

The three-year clandestine survey was initiated by British pilot Tristan Loraine, who became ill from fumes while flying Boeing 757 jets.

He realised the aviation industry had failed to swab test aircraft cabins and cockpits as recommended by the prestigious US National Research Council, an arm of the US Academy of Sciences.

"We decided we would start doing our own because the airlines weren't doing them. We have done swab testing on aircraft in the UK, in Australia and in North America and nearly all of them are coming back positive," said Mr Loraine.

"The neuro-toxin is on the walls of the passenger cabin and in the flight deck."

The results, to be shown on Australian television tomorrow, have prompted a call from Professor Chris Winder, a toxicologist at the University of New South Wales, for the aviation industry to finance a proper study to see if the levels of TCP found in the survey are poisonous.

"The industry is in complete denial that this is an issue," he said.

TCP contamination came to light in Australia in 1999 in a Senate inquiry into concerns about a cluster of complaints about fume exposure and illness among flight crew on the British Aerospace 146 passenger jet then used extensively by Ansett and National Jet.