7.18.26 – Flight Attendants and Members of Congress Unite to Address Toxic Fume Events

Flight Attendants and Members of Congress Unite to Address Toxic Fume Events

Saturday, July 18, 2026

The health and safety of our members has always been at the forefront of APFA’s advocacy. Recently, several APFA Flight Attendants partnered with Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) to share their personal experiences with toxic fume events in a new public awareness video.

Watch the video to hear directly from APFA Flight Attendants who have experienced these events firsthand.

Fume events occur when contaminants such as heated oils, hydraulic fluid, or other chemicals leak into the cabin air supply. These incidents are happening every day and can cause serious short and long-term health effects, including neurological and cardiovascular damage, while also impairing a Flight Attendant’s ability to perform critical safety duties.

For too long, the aviation industry has lacked preventative measures, comprehensive reporting and accountability surrounding cabin air contamination. APFA continues to advocate for stronger federal action to prevent these events and better protect Flight Attendants and the traveling public.

APFA has worked closely with lawmakers to advance legislation addressing toxic cabin air. Congressman Frost has introduced the Safe Air on Airplanes Act, legislation that would phase out the bleed air system, a design flaw in commercial aircraft that allows toxic particles to infiltrate cabin air supply. We also support the efforts of Congressman Pappas and Congressman Garamendi to urge the Department of Transportation to accelerate implementation of a standardized reporting system that will improve the tracking and documentation of fume events.

On July 22, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will convene a public panel to continue to examine the potential impacts of smoke, odor and fume events on aircraft cabin air quality. The committee has reviewed available information on contaminants present during these events, assessed the associated health risks to flight crews and passengers, and examined data on the incidence, frequency, duration, and likely causes of fume events.

If you suspect a possible fume event, please follow these steps. Thank you for your support as we continue the fight to end toxic fume events onboard our aircraft.

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis
Lori Vitto-Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representatives
[email protected]