Amstelveen,
13
December
2013
|
10:13
Europe/Amsterdam

TNO Reports Reassuring Results for Cockpit Air Quality Tests

TCP Levels Much Lower than in Previous International Study

TNO took measurements during various flight phases: ascending, cruising, descending and overall. Measurements were also conducted when the aircraft was on the ground. TNO conducted its measurements in the breathing zone, but also gathered swipe samples from the glare shield.

The average TCP levels were 7 ng/m3. The most toxic type, ToCP, was entirely absent. The health risk level for this substance is 100,000 ng/m3. No health risk levels have been set for other TCPs. On average, the TCP levels measured by TNO were 14,000 times lower than the health risk level set for ToCP. In only one instance was an atypical value of 155 ng/m3 measured, but this is still 650 times lower than the stipulated ToCP norm.

Background
The TNO study was prompted by a court ruling in a case between a pilot and KLM, dating from 18 September 2013. The current study confirms that TCPs are only present in minimal concentrations in aircraft cockpits.

Summary

The Dutch research institute TNO tested the cabin air quality on 20 flights operated by nine different KLM Boeing 737’s, assessing the level of TCPs in the cockpit. TNO measurements, released today, confirm that there are only negligible quantities of TCP present aboard KLM aircraft. The ToCP type, for which health risk levels have been stipulated, was completely absent in cockpits. The levels measured were also much lower than those found in previous international studies (as conducted by Cranfield and others). These earlier studies concluded that it was highly unlikely that such low levels constituted a health risk. The TCP levels measured by TNO are even lower than the results of previous studies, which means that the findings of the Cranfield study also apply in this instance.

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About KLM
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919, making it the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM. The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Retaining its own identity, the group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance.

In the Netherlands, KLM comprises the core of the KLM Group, which further includes KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. KLM serves all its destinations using a modern fleet and employs over 33,000 people around the world. KLM is a leader in the airline industry, offering reliable operations and customer-oriented products resulting from its policy of enthusiasm and sustainable innovation.

KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. The KLM network connects the Netherlands to every important economic region in the world and, as such, serves as a powerful driver for the economy.

About SkyTeam
SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive worldwide network offering more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers access to over 490 lounges worldwide.

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