Bipartisan legislation recently reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would ensure clean air on airplanes.
The Safe Air on Airplanes Act, H.R. 4994, would phase out the use of bleed air systems for ventilation in existing commercial aircraft designs, eliminate the use of bleed air systems in new commercial aircraft design, and require within seven years the installation of filters on bleed air systems to effectively keep oil particulates out of flight deck and cabin air. After the phase-out, air would be supplied through the engine’s compressors.
U.S. Reps. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), John Garamendi (D-CA) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced the bill on Aug. 19. Frost first introduced the bill in 2024.
“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,” Frost said. “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.”
A fume event is when fuel or toxic fluids leak from the engine or other systems into the cabin air. These fumes and chemicals that are small enough to pass through air filters. Short-term exposure can cause irregular heart rate, dizziness and vomiting, difficulty breathing and memory loss. Pilots and flight attendants have ended their careers because of chronic illnesses caused by inhaling fumes.
Currently, the Boeing 787 is the only airplane that does not use a bleed air system.
The Association of Flight Attendants – CWA, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Transport Workers Union of America endorsed the bill.