Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) has reintroduced his bipartisan Safe Air on Airplanes Act, which phases out "bleed air" systems from commercial aircraft.
Rep. Frost first introduced the bill last May after one of his constituents, a flight attendant named Shannon DeWitt, was a victim of a fume event while serving on an airplane.
As we previously covered, bleed air systems draw from the plane's engine or auxiliary power unit. Fume events are when leaks and defects in the system expose pilots, passengers, and crew to the toxic materials found in jet fuel, leading to immediate and long-term health problems affecting the heart, lungs, and neurological system, and even causing cancer.
Thus, the Safe Air on Airplanes Act phases out bleed air systems on newly-built aircraft and seeks to improve filtering systems on planes currently serving.
"Airlines have a responsibility to protect everyone who steps on board. But for years, flight crews and passengers have been breathing toxic fumes and chemicals, creating a hidden health and safety hazard for everyone who flies," Rep. Frost said in his press release, adding, "While airlines look the other way from the growing concerns from employees and passengers about fume events, we're stepping in at the federal level. The Safe Air on Airplanes Act will ensure a future where pilots, cabin crew, and passengers can breathe easy while flying without fear for their health."
Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY), one of the bill's cosponsors, similarly stated, "When folks get on a plane, they shouldn't have to worry about the air they're breathing."
"But right now, outdated bleed air systems are putting pilots, flight attendants, and passengers at risk. I'm proud to cosponsor the Safe Air on Airplanes Act to phase out these systems and make sure the air in our cabins is safe," Rep. Lawler continued.
Finally, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA) said, "Every American deserves safe, clean air when they fly. I'm deeply troubled by the reports of pilots, flight attendants, and passengers falling ill, and in some cases even hospitalized, due to toxic cabin air."
"I'm proud to partner with Congressman Frost on legislation that will hold aircraft manufacturers to a fundamental safety standard: protecting passengers and crew from harmful toxins," Garamendi concluded.
