FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2023
Contact: Jonna Huseman, jhuseman@twu.org
The Cabin Air Safety Act Will Save Lives
Washington, D.C. – TWU International President John Samuelsen issues this statement in support of the bicameral and bipartisan Cabin Air Safety Act, introduced last week by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA):
“It is unacceptable that airline passengers and crewmembers may be exposed to toxins while flying – toxins that may lead to respiratory and neurological conditions, including breathing difficulties, headaches, and fatigue. In some cases, these toxins have nearly incapacitated pilots and flight attendants while on duty.
“While the majority of air circulated throughout aircraft cabins is safe, the unfortunate few who are exposed to toxic gases while flying may face life-threatening circumstances, including nerve damage, cancer, and other significant health issues. Airline bosses have dragged their feet on this issue for far too long. The life-saving Cabin Air Safety Act is necessary, commonsense legislation that would reduce and prevent toxic fume events, creating safer skies for cabin crewmembers and the passengers they serve.
“The flying public and cabin crewmembers have a right to know when they may have been exposed to toxic air while flying on a commercial aircraft.”
###
The TWU represents more than 155,000 workers across the airline, railroad, transit, universities, utilities and service sectors. The TWU is the largest airline workers union in the United States.