Washington — A bipartisan bill recently reintroduced in the House is aimed at improving air safety and quality on commercial flights.
Reintroduced on Aug. 19 by Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL), the Safe Air on Airplanes Act (H.R. 4994) would phase out “bleed” air systems that supply cabin air through engine compressors. This process may trigger “an injection of toxic air” when fuel or toxic fluids leak from the engine or other systems, a press release from Frost’s office states.
Under the legislation, new aircraft would be required to be fit with filters and/or air cleaning devices designed to remove polluted air.
“Airlines have a responsibility to protect everyone who steps on board,” Frost said in the release. “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.
“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.”
Reps. Michael Lawler (R-NY) and John Garamendi (D-CA) are co-sponsors of the bill, which has backing from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Transport Workers Union of America. The trio of lawmakers first introduced the bill last year.
