New scientific research has been said to support claims linking to the death of a British Airways pilot to toxic fumes on the passenger airliners. Information given by scientists’ claim tests conducted on Westgate have provided evidence that he was exposed to cockpit air that contained hazardous fumes.
Westgate died at the age of 43, in December 2012 after he complained of suffering from mental confusion, sight problems, severe headaches and insomnia which came up as a result of flying for many years. Before he died, he had instructed lawyers to sue BA for disregarding the health and safety guidelines.
A probe into Richard’s death which looked at the evidence he provided before passing away had just been published in the Journal of Biological Physics and Chemistry. It found organophosphates, some hazardous fumes, to have affected his health.
Richard is one of two pilots who have passed away having complained about exposure to toxic fumes in the passenger jets. Karen Lyasakowska, 43, a fellow pilot also died in December 2012 with claims that she had been poisoned through contaminated air.
Glasgow law firm said that it believes constant exposure to fuel leaks in the plane had contributed to Richard’s death.
According to the researchers, the chemicals (organophosphates) had led to chronic brain and other problems that caused his death. This normally happens because of continuous exposure to aircrafts working abroad.
The Civil Aviation Authority records show that pilots and their crews must put on oxygen masks over five times a week to combat the fume events.
British Airways, however, said that it is not appropriate to comment or speculate on the cause of death of an individual, but they stressed that the safety and security of their customer are of great importance and will never be compromised.