Aviation Health Working Group minutes: 9 June 2006
Aviation Health Working Group # 37
9 June 2006, Great Minster House
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Present |
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Chair: |
Sandra Webber |
DfT/CAD |
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Secretary: |
Grace Hansford |
DfT/CAD |
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Andrew Ashbourne |
DfT/CAD |
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Abimbola Alli |
DfT/CAD |
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Dr William Maton-Howarth |
DoH |
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Dr Raymond Johnston |
CAA/AHU |
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Tom Hamilton |
CAA/SRG |
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Cliff Barrow |
CAA/SRG |
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Jackie Knight |
CAA CPG |
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Tim Williams |
CAA |
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James Fremantle |
AUC |
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Dr Sandy Mitchell |
BALPA |
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Dr Tony Goodwin |
BALPA |
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David Reynolds |
BALPA |
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Tim Bamber |
BALPA |
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Mike Carrivick |
BAR UK |
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Roger Wiltshire |
BATA |
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Nigel Dowdall |
BA |
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Brendan Gold |
TGWU |
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Guests: |
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Angela Tanner |
CEPG |
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Iain Pocknell |
CEPG |
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Apologies: |
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Victoria Mayo |
DfT/ASCM |
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Rick Bewsey |
CAA/SRG |
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Dan Monnery |
CAA CPG |
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John Furlong |
HSE |
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Andy Freeman |
HSE |
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Carolyn Evans |
BALPA |
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Dr Mark Popplestone |
BA/BATA |
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George Blundell-Pound |
Thomas Cook Airlines |
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Nikki Jones |
TGWU |
Item 1:Introductions
1.1 The Chair welcomed two guests to the meeting: Angela Tanner and Iain Pocknell of Crawley Borough Council Environmental Services, Port Health Division who would be delivering a presentation on Disinsection.
Item 2: Minutes of the previous inclusive meeting (5 April 2006)
2.1 The previous minutes were amended as follows:
Item 5.1 the main active ingredient in the WHO's recommended disinsectant sprays is phenothrin, not pyrethrol as previously stated.
Item 5.2 In citing the USA's policy as an example, it was incorrectly noted that disinsection sprays are no longer being used. This should have read: disinsection is no longer required on any flights into the USA.
The amended minutes were distributed.
Item 3: Update on Disinsection
Angela Tanner and Iain Pocknell gave a presentation on the work of the Crawley Borough Council Port Health Division and on two issues in particular: the use of spray disinsectants on aircraft and the use of Methyl Bromide as a disinsectant. (see presentation slides attached). A discussion of the two issues followed.
The use of Disinsection sprays
3.1 Passenger complaints about spray disinsection fall into two categories: aircraft not having been disinsected; and respiratory illness following spray disinsection. Ray Johnston reported that passengers seeking further information and reassurance on the issue would soon be able to find answers on the AHU's website, which is currently being updated. However, there is currently no reliable data available for assessing long term illness after spraying.
3.2 Concerns were raised regarding the efficacy of spray disinsectant in comparison to other methods, e.g. strip-curtains. The Group agreed that, if few other countries were using spray disinsectants, alternatives should be be considered. Angela Tanner advised that she was not aware of discussions on other forms of disinsectants but said she would take this issue up with the WHO Working Group.
The use of Methyl bromide as an aircraft fumigant
3.3 A highly toxic pesticide, Methyl bromide is an ozone depleter and in 1992 was added to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Its use was phased out on 1 January 2005 except for 'critical uses' authorised under the Protocol. Critical uses are strictly limited and temporary, and a full ban is expected later this year.
3.4 Roger Wiltshire of BATA reported that airlines have been concerned about the forthcoming ban for some months as there appears to be no effective alternative pesticide available for use in aircraft. One suggested alternative, CO², is a global warming gas. There are also doubts over its efficacy, particularly in the case of rodents on board, which are considered a risk to aircraft safety as well as passenger health. The only tests using CO² so far have been carried out in the absence of animals. An application has been made for an extension of the use of Methyl bromide in Europe, the outcome of which is being awaited.
Recent developments at the WHO
3.5 The World Health Assembly adopted new International Health Regulations (IHR) on 23 May 2005. The regulations will update the range of notifiable incidents and processes to be adopted globally and contribute to the strengthening of disease surveillance. Member states have until December 2006 to decide whether to enter any reservations or rejections to the new IHR, which will come into force generally in June 2007. A WHO working group has been set up, which includes Crawley Borough Council.
3.6 In closing the discussion, the Chair thanked both guests for their contribution to the issues, and for providing a valuable insight into the work of the Port Health Division.
Item 4: Update on Aviation Health Unit
4.1 Dr Ray Johnston advised that he would be giving a presentation on the use of defibrillators at the next meeting of the AHWG. In the meantime he provided an update on the issue, and on Cabin Air Quality:
4.2 Defibrillators:
- Dr Johnston advised that in deciding on the use of defibrillators, it was important to examine the nature of each event, and the likelihood of a successful outcome. To date the use of the equipment has been successful in only 10 - 40% of cases so at present there is insufficient evidence for mandatory requirement on board aircraft.
- However, the US FAA mandated its use in 2004 as it was considered vital on a case-by-case basis. Any mandate for UK-regulated aircraft would be given on a Europe-wide scale.
- The group agreed that, despite the relatively low success rate of onboard defibrillators overall, their presence onboard would be worthwhile.
4.3 Cabin Air Quality:
- Dr Johnston summarised his recent meeting with Professor Steve Ecker of Oregon University (an FAA Centre of Excellence), and a representative of the AFA. Professor Ecker had said that Cabin Air incidents are rare in the US, but that he is keen to see good quality research carried out on the subject. FAA funding is available for a research project (led by Oregon) which would use the "Van Netten Sampler " to sample real time events on aircraft. This equipment is not installed as standard on US aircraft as yet but may eventually become compulsory.
- Members expressed concern at the quality of evidence of Cabin Air contamination produced to date which was mainly anecdotal and unproven and had led to the appearance of 'scare stories'. Ray Johnston agreed that the subject requires a strictly scientific approach. The DfT is likely to be able to fund or co-fund research in the UK.
- The Group agreed, in deciding on a future approach, to be guided by the outcome of the forthcoming COT review of evidence.
Item 5: Update on COT
5.1 The Committee on Toxicity's draft paper should be published on the COT website around the 20th June. The outcome will help inform the AHWG on the way forward with any future research, monitoring procedures; etc.
5.2 The dates of the forthcoming COT meetings are as follows:
Tuesday 11 July
Tuesday 5 September
Tuesday 17 October
Tuesday 5 December
The Chair advised that, although the main COT meeting on 11 July would be held in public and interested parties could attend as observers, due to limitations of space, places would be allocated by invitation only.
Item 6 - AOB
6.1 The Chair expressed thanks to those members who had contributed to the response to a letter from an airline pilot about contaminated air in aircraft cabins.
6.2 Tim Bamber informed the group that he is BALPA's appointed contact on issues concerning cabin air. A letter confirming this was distributed at the meeting and is attached here for ease of reference. He assured the group that BALPA's mandate is for a joint approach and co-operation, for a proper investigation into the issue.
Item 7 -Dates of Next Meetings:
4 August 2006
6 October 2006
1 December 2006
CAD 1
9 June 2006
