The senior coroner in the inquest into the death of Matthew Bass,
the much loved member of Unite and British Airways’ cabin crew, has
taken the significant step of agreeing to write to the chief
coroner asking him to warn all coroners in England and Wales of the
need for additional tests to take place where the cause of death is
suspected to relate to toxic cabin air on board aircraft. The
unprecedented letter of concern, which recognises that exposure to
toxic cabin air does lead to...Request free trial
The senior coroner in the inquest into the death of Matthew Bass,
the much loved member of Unite and British Airways’ cabin crew, has
taken the significant step of agreeing to write to the chief
coroner asking him to warn all coroners in England and Wales of the
need for additional tests to take place where the cause of death is
suspected to relate to toxic cabin air on board aircraft.
The unprecedented letter of concern, which recognises that exposure
to toxic cabin air does lead to a clinical impact on the body, came
as the coroner recorded a verdict of ‘death by misadventure’
arising from the death of Matthew Bass yesterday (Monday 30
April).
Unite which is supporting the family of Matthew Bass said the move
by the senior coroner of Berkshire should act as a catalyst for a
public inquiry into toxic cabin air. Unite is currently taking over
100 legal cases on behalf of cabin crew who have been involved in
fume events and suffered ill health from toxic cabin air.
Commenting Unite assistant general secretary for legal services
Howard Beckett said: “This significant step by a senior
coroner recognises that exposure to toxic cabin air does have an
impact on the body and can lead to ill health. All coroners
will now be made aware of toxic cabin air and should commit to
additional testing so we can get a greater understanding of its
effects on cabin crew.
“Unite currently has over 100 legal cases that we are taking on
behalf of cabin crew members whose health has been affected by
toxic cabin air. The senior coroner’s letter of concern should act
as a catalyst for a public inquiry into an issue the airline
industry has consistently tried to brush under the carpet.
“Toxic cabin air is real and is damaging lives. The airline
industry needs to face up to its responsibilities and deal with it.
“On behalf of Unite I would like to thank the perseverance of the
Bass family who, after four years, finally have a formally recorded
explanation for Matthew’s death.
“If it had not been for their dignified determination we would not
have established that Matthew had been exposed to organophosphates
and secured the warning from the senior coroner on toxic cabin
air.
“I’d also like to thank Thompsons and the leading counsel who
assisted with this case.”
