American plane maker Boeing is being sued by a law professor, who is alleging he inhaled toxic fumes on board a Delta Air Lines flight last year. Following the inhalation, the professor believes that as a result suffered ‘serious’ health issues from the fumes, which are claimed to have ‘seeped’ into the cabin of the aircraft.

Jonathan Harris of Philadelphia is claiming that on board a Delta flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in August 2024, dangerous chemicals seeped into the cabin, leading to inhalation. Now, the professor looks to sue the manufacturer of the aircraft, Boeing.

‘Seeping’ Into The Cabin

According to a report by CBS News, Harris has claimed that during the flight to Los Angeles, the airplane was required to sit on the runway for around 45 minutes upon arrival at LAX, before the plane was cleared to disembark at the gate. During this time, it is alleged that fumes filled the cabin, with some referencing the smell to a pair of ‘dirty socks’.

During the wait, several passengers became unwell to the point that they were vomiting in the sick bags provided in the seat pocket. The captain even came onto the intercom to apologise for the odour. Since the event, Harris is now claiming that there have been continued health issues due to the ‘contaminated cabin air’.

Simple Flying reached out to Boeing, and their spokesperson noted that the aircraft manufacturer will not comment. Delta Air Lines was also approached for comment, but did not immediately respond by the time this article was published.

Ongoing Symptoms

Harris’ lawsuit alleges that Harris is now living with several health problems following the flight, which have included ongoing nausea, confusion, dizziness, vertigo, muscle pain, and memory loss. Additionally, depression and anxiety have caused additional mental anguish, meaning he has been sometimes unable to work. The plaintiff is now suing Boeing for $40 million plus attorney fees.

While it is common for some cabin fumes and smoke to enter aircraft, this usually happens only when air is filtered through the onboard air conditioner via the plane’s engines. A faulty engine seal can, on occasion, also cause oil or other particles to be released into the cabin. This happens frequently and would usually not lead to any serious health concerns or side effects.

Using a process called ‘Bleed air’, the Boeing 737 uses a sophisticated system named ACMs (air cycle machines), in which hot engine air is cooled by ram air, before being delivered into the cabin. A water separator takes away any moisture from the air and is distributed throughout the cabin to support safe cabin pressurization.

Can You Get Sick Flying On A Plane?

More commonly, the chances of becoming ill onboard a flight is due to turbulence. Many passengers however do believe that airplanes are plauged with all sorts of bacteria or viruses that are lurking for their next victim. Microbioligists in a report by Skyscanner, noted that some germs in public areas of the aircraft can linger for hours or days, however airlines usually have strict cleaning protocols that can take place either between flights, or a full clean at the end of the days schedule.

The dirtiest planes on an aircraft have been alleged to be the seatbelt bucket, toilet flush buttons, overhead air vents or the tray table, areas which various passengers throughout the day are most likely to touch. As planes typically use recirculated air, there is also a belief that the air conditioning system can spread germs; this is somewhat untrue, according to the above report.

For airlines and aircraft manufacturers, ‘fume events’ can happen, where the likes of engine oil, hydraulic fluid are leaking into the cabin’s air supply, and can lead to immediate and/or long-term health problems. The symptoms from these events vary depending on the duration of exposure and the immune systems of those onboard. Acute symptoms often experienced after such an event include eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, confusion, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Ongoing chronic effects can be fatigue, muscle pain, memory loss, asthma, anxiety, and depression.