Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of exposure to engine oil and hydraulic fluid among airline crews; and what plans they have to fund research into the issue of exposure, which can lead to the condition Organophosphorus Ester-Induced Chronic Neurotoxicity.

In 2013, The UK Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) reviewed four research projects on airborne concentrations and surface deposition of chemical pollutants in the cabins of commercial aircraft, which had been commissioned by the Department for Transport. The COT concluded that contamination of cabin air by components and/or combustion products of engine oils, including triaryl phosphates, does occur and peaks of higher exposure have been recorded during episodes that lasted for seconds. No further assessments have been commissioned.

The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including research into environmental exposure. However, it is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications for funding are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.