Toxic fumes alert for air passengers

AIRLINES have been urged to do more to protect passengers and crew from toxic cabin fumes.

Holidaymakers are breathing in air contaminated by engine oils or hydraulic fluids, the International Fume Events Task Force has warned, saying incidents are on the rise.

Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue and headaches in the short-term, and breathing difficulties and an uncontrollable cough in the long-term.

The task force, which is made up of 17 experts, has created a protocol, published in the Environmental Health journal, for identifying incidents and if medical care is needed.