Table 3 Acute and chronic symptoms of aircrew exposed to aircraft contaminated air—information leaflet

• Following exposure to aircraft contaminated air, whether on a chronic low-level basis or a short transient or longer duration fume event, aircrew and passengers have reported the following acute and chronic longer term adverse effects

• If aircrew or passengers experience the symptoms outlined below at the time of exposure or fume event or soon after, it is advisable to report this to your medical professionals

Acute signs and symptoms

Chronic symptoms

Irritation / burning—eyes, nose, upper airways, skin; blisters/rash on uncovered areas

Irritation / burning—eyes, nose, upper airways, skin, blisters / rash

Neurology: Headache/head pressure; impaired / loss of consciousness; dizziness / light-headedness; drowsiness / lethargy; confusion/ disorientation / intoxication; balance problems; vertigo; vision problems; nystagmus; shaking / tremor; gait problems; erratic movement; impaired speech; impaired memory / slowed mental processing / concentration; difficulty writing; paraesthesiae / numbness; sweating / loss of temperature control, pallor / flushing / altered taste / sleep disturbance; anxiety

Headache / head pressure; dizziness / light-headedness; lethargy; vision problems; slowed mental processing / impaired memory and concentration / difficulty multi-tasking / slowed mental processing; balance problems; tremor / gait problems; incoordination; paraesthesia/numbness; sweating / loss of temperature control/pallor / flushing / taste; behavioural / personality changes – unreality / anxiety / depression; sleep disorders / PTSD

Gastrointestinal: Nausea / vomiting / diarrhoea

Nausea / vomiting / diarrhoea

Respiratory: Breathing difficulties / shortness of breath / cough / chest tightness / wheezing / lung irritation

Breathing difficulties / shortness of breath / cough / chest tightness / wheezing / lung irritation; susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections

Cardiological: Increased heart rate / palpitations / chest pain / tightness

Variable heart rate / palpitations / chest pain / tightness

General: fatigue; Joint / muscle pain; twitches; weakness

Fatigue; chemical sensitivity; joint / muscle pain; twitches; weakness; vocal / nasal / throat – polyps / swelling; hair loss