Focus on Detection, Medical Protocols and European Cooperation

BeCA was represented by André Faber at the Cabin Air Quality Conference 2026 in Lisbon, where researchers, medical experts, aviation authorities, maintenance specialists and pilot associations gathered to discuss the latest developments in cabin air contamination. The conference highlighted growing scientific and regulatory attention to the issue, while also underlining that significant technological and medical challenges remain. 

From “TCP Fume Events” to “Cabin Air Contamination Events”

One of the key messages came from Professor Dieter Scholz (Hamburg University), who argued that the term TCP fume event no longer accurately reflects the complexity of the problem. While engine oil remains an important source of contamination, bleed air may also contain hydraulic fluids, de-icing fluids and metallic particles such as chromium and iron. Several speakers therefore advocated replacing the traditional terminology with the broader concept of Cabin Air Contamination Events (CACE). 

Professor Scholz also reiterated that contamination from engine oil cannot be completely eliminated in conventional bleed-air systems. The seals used in current engine designs leak small quantities of oil by design, making occasional contamination events technically unavoidable. Active carbon filtration technology is under development and has demonstrated promising results in reducing volatile organic compounds, but widespread implementation remains unlikely unless regulators make such systems mandatory. 

Detection Remains the Biggest Challenge

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the absence of reliable onboard detection systems. Without objective measurements, it remains difficult to confirm contamination events, investigate their causes or establish exposure afterwards. According to data presented during the conference, only around one-third of cabin air contamination events are currently reported and investigated. 

TAP Air Portugal presented its proactive maintenance strategy and ongoing evaluation of the Aerolyzer, a device capable of detecting airborne contaminants. Initial trials covering 85 flights detected no contamination during flight, although several detections were recorded on the ground with aircraft doors open. Certification is currently underway to allow operational use of the technology in both the cockpit and cabin. 

Progress Towards Standardised Medical Protocols

The medical sessions demonstrated that important progress is being made, although considerable work remains. Toxicologists explained that current laboratory techniques cannot yet reliably identify all potentially harmful contaminants, while the varying toxicity of different TCP isomers further complicates exposure assessment. 

Several experts therefore called for harmonised European medical protocols covering the assessment and follow-up of flight crew after cabin air contamination events. Recommendations included rapid blood sampling following an event, supplemented by hair analysis for assessing long-term exposure. Speakers also stressed that emergency physicians often lack awareness of aviation-specific contamination events, increasing the risk of delayed or missed diagnosis. 

Another important topic was individual susceptibility. Researchers highlighted that genetic differences—particularly variations in the PON1 enzyme responsible for metabolising organophosphates—may explain why crew members exposed to the same event can experience significantly different health effects. 

Greater Focus on Long-Term Exposure

While previous discussions largely focused on acute fume events, this year’s conference placed increasing emphasis on the possible health effects of repeated low-level exposure over an aviation career. Although current scientific evidence remains limited, researchers called for large-scale biomonitoring programmes and long-term longitudinal studies to better understand the potential neurological, respiratory and cardiovascular consequences for professional flight crews. 

A European Approach Remains Essential

The concluding panel agreed that technical improvements alone will not solve the issue. Greater harmonisation across Europe is needed for reporting procedures, medical follow-up, data collection and research. Several speakers noted that significant differences still exist between operators and national authorities, making meaningful comparison of data and exposure trends difficult. 

BeCA’s Perspective

The conference reinforced priorities that BeCA has consistently supported within ECA and other European forums: objective onboard detection of cabin air contamination, harmonised reporting procedures, evidence-based medical protocols and continued investment in scientific research. The discussions in Lisbon demonstrated that awareness of cabin air contamination continues to grow across Europe. However, further regulatory action and technological innovation will be required before crews can benefit from a truly consistent European approach to prevention, detection and medical management. 

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