Swiss Airlines Sprays Carcinogenic Chemical on Passengers

Thirteen days ago (March 29), I concluded a quick trip to Mumbai, India, where I enjoyed the city, its people, and its culture.  I was sitting calmly on board Swiss International Airlines  Flight 155 that was going to take me from Mumbai to Zurich, expecting the aircraft to take off momentarily. Just when the door closed, the purser announced that according to the law, they needed to spray the interior of the aircraft (including the passengers) against insects.

Before I could contact the flight attendants or say a word, it was a done deal.  I was shocked.  I called the flight attendants and the purser and talked with them about this unfortunate event.

When I asked what was the chemical used, I was told that it is Permethrin (see photo). Upon researching what it is I found out that it is a known carcinogen. Here is some information:

“Permethrin is classified by the US EPA a likely human carcinogen”,  states the Wikipedia.

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified permethrin as a carcinogen because it causes lung tumors in female mice and liver tumors in mice of both sexes” says Safe2Use.com

The Wikipedia site  adds:  “Recent studies have linked permethrin exposure to Parkinson's disease”.

I told the flight attendants and the purser that I expected to be notified about the forthcoming spraying event before I purchased the ticket so I could have a choice between being sprayed by a likely or known carcinogen and avoiding flying with Swiss Airlines on this route.  Furthermore, I asked according to what law they do it, Swiss, Indian, or international?  The purser said that he does not know- he just read the text given to him.

Photo: A can (shown to me by one of the flight attendants on Swiss 155)  that was used to spray the passengers and the aircraft on Swiss Airlines flight 155. 

I was wondering why does not Swiss Airlines spray the aircraft with less harmful insecticide and then spray the entrance with insect repellent before the passengers board?

I view this incident quite seriously and I am of the opinion that by ignoring the possible effect on its passengers’ health, Swiss Airlines has shown a gross irresponsibility and recklessness. I am sure I will not fly Swiss Airlines again.

Comments

[jonny goldstein]

Sounds awful, Nahum. Really messed up.

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