Airline Crew Health Complaints Before and After New Uniforms

Principal Investigator: Dr. Eileen McNeely, Instructor, Department of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Project objective: The objective of this research was to investigate the potential health effects associated with the introduction of new uniforms among flight attendants. The study aimed to analyze self-reported respiratory, dermatological, and allergic symptoms in flight attendants before, during, and after the implementation of new uniforms to understand any possible uniform-related health effects.

Project’s alignment with the Hoffman Program on Chemicals and Health mission: This study highlights the limited knowledge we have about the health effects of chemicals present in our clothing compared to those we consume. Despite the efficient absorption of substances through the skin, research on chemicals found in clothing, such as metals, dyes, formaldehyde, dioxin, flame retardants, and pesticides, remains scarce. However, this study provides a valuable opportunity to examine the potential health effects of textile chemicals by investigating the introduction of new work uniforms in a specific group of workers, offering insights into a common exposure within a defined population.

Some key takeaways:

• The study analyzed self-reported health symptoms in flight attendants who participated in the Harvard Flight Attendant Health Study between 2007 and 2015, encompassing the period before, during, and after the introduction of new uniforms.
• The prevalence of various symptoms increased after the introduction of new uniforms, including multiple chemical sensitivity, itchy/irritated skin, rash/hives, itchy eyes, blurred vision, sinus congestion, ear pain, sore throat, cough, hoarseness/loss of voice, and shortness of breath.
• The odds of experiencing these symptoms significantly increased compared to baseline after adjusting for factors such as age, gender, and smoking status. The study suggests a relationship between the introduction of new uniforms and health complaints in the flight attendants included in the study, indicating possible uniform-related health effects.

Products resulting from Hoffman support: McNeely, E., Staffa, S.J., Mordukhovich, I. et al. Symptoms related to new flight attendant uniforms. BMC Public Health 17, 972 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4982-4