We hope that you’ve gained new knowledge from this month’s Your Air Matters campaign. All of the resources shared this month will continue to be available on the air quality page of afaalaska.org. On the page, you’ll always be able to access the most up-to-date air quality exposure information.
Knowledge Is Power
Even though the message has been widespread on afaalaska.org and AFA Alaska social media accounts, you can help to keep the conversation going and make sure that everyone knows what to do if they breathe contaminated air onboard. Share the information on your air quality quick reference card with your flying partners. Show someone how to access the air quality exposure information on their IMD. Let your crew know how important it is to seek treatment if there’s possibility of exposure and they’re showing symptoms. These discussions will help to empower all of our Flight Attendants in the event of exposure to contaminated cabin air.
Give Ten, Get Ten
We’ve previously shared information about Give Ten, Get Ten, a campaign to fund ongoing research to help develop a blood test to detect engine oil fume exposure from aircraft engines. Currently, the only way to detect exposure is a blood test for carbon monoxide (CO) exposure which must be conducted before CO clears from your blood, often less than 24 hours after exposure.
Development of a blood test specific to engine oil fumes is critical in the ongoing fight to improve cabin air. A dedicated test will help crew members and passengers alike to prove incidents of exposure and seek proper treatment for the debilitating symptoms associated with breathing engine oil fumes. Please take a moment to review the campaign page for more information. The video features information about the research project and interviews with several crew members who have been affected by exposure to engine oil fumes.
We hope that you’ll GIVE $10 (or any amount that you’re able) to help directly fund this important research project and GET 10 of your friends, family, and coworkers to do the same.
If you have any questions about Give Ten, Get Ten, please email AFA Industrial Hygienist Judith Anderson at judith@afanet.org.
Questions?
Your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) is your go-to for additional information and answers to any questions that you have about cabin air quality. You can find contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska website.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-Elect Tim Green and Brice McGee; MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple
