Flight Attendants Serve Airbus With 'Toxic Air' Complaint

Two flight attendants' breathing problems were caused by toxic chemicals drawn into an Airbus aircraft cabin, according to a lawsuit filed in Florida federal court.

Lucy Mayorga and Adriana Moravcik say they were exposed to toxic "bleed air" that entered the passenger cabin through the air-delivery system. Toxins in bleed air are alleged to come from the byproducts of high-temperature engine oil and hydraulic fluid in airplane engines.

The toxins include tricresyl phosphates, nerve agents that "act[] specifically on nerve cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems," according to the complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Mayorga and Moravcik say they became ill in 2005 while working on a flight from Philadelphia to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., onboard an Airbus A319-112 aircraft.

According to the complaint, the flight attendants noticed an odor described as "dirty socks" and "chemicals."

The women say they experienced fatigue and body aches on the flight. Afterward, both complained of severe headaches and difficulty breathing, according to the suit.

Doctors diagnosed each of them with "inhalation injury," and they allege they continue to suffer severe physical and emotional injuries.

Each says she has been unable to return to work as a result of the illnesses.

The complaint includes counts for negligence and strict liability against Airbus S.A.S. and Airbus Industrie G.I.E., both French corporations with North American headquarters in Herndon, Va.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

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They are represented by Theodore Leopold and Adam J. Langino of Leopold-Kuvin PA in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.