O mistério por trás da síndrome aerotóxica

Abstract

The expression Aerotoxic Syndrome was adopted to conceptualize illnesses resulting from the exposure of the crew to air contaminated by synthetic oil and other lubricating additives from jet aircraft engines. The contamination process that generates the syndrome occurs when some part of the ventilation system has its operating efficiency reduced due to seal wear. The engine oil can then leak and, if it happens, it will join the engine's bleed air, which is sent to the cabin through the ventilation system. After inhaling, this contaminated air has the potential to cause neurological, respiratory, and cognitive impairment problems because it contains toxic substances, such as Tricesyl Phosphate (TCP), present in oil vapors. Thus, the main purpose of addressing this issue is to inform the aeronautical community, as well as the most frequent users of air transport, about the harm that this type of intoxication can cause. Furthermore, the study intends to list the existing means aimed at alleviating this problem. For the construction of this work, data were collected from bibliographical sources – articles, manuals, books, scientific publications, theses, and dissertations – and documental ones in search of confirmed concrete cases or signs of health hazards reported in flights. It was evident that among the known alternatives, it is possible to migrate to a system already used in long-haul regular transport aircraft, that is, a system of electric compressors for the air-conditioned cabin air (CACs), with the benefit of not producing toxic gases harmful to the users’ and crew’s health.