A quartet of flight attendants for American Airlines were
awarded more than $1 million in a jury trial in which they said that the
uniforms used by the company made them sick, according to The
New York Post.
The trial took place in California. The flight attendants
said that the uniforms gave them headaches, bronchitis, swollen eyes, skin
rashes, and other issues.
The problem was first brought to light nearly seven years
ago by flight attendant turned-author Heather Poole, who first complained about
the uniforms on social media.
The suit was brought against Twin Hill and its ex-parent
company, Tailored Brands. The flight attendants claimed that the uniforms were
treated with formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals. But formaldehyde has been
a substance used by apparel companies for decades.
But this group of flight attendants does have precedence on
their side.
American, Twin Hill and Tailored Brands were sued by nearly
400 flight attendants six years ago, and a jury found that the apparel
companies were a “substantial factor in causing harm.” However, the jury also
said that the company did not show negligence in the design of the uniforms.
Flight attendant Tracey Silver-Charana told The Associated
Press: “I would wake up and my eyes would be completely swollen. I looked like
I had been in a boxing match.”
The issue is not just exclusive to American Airlines,
however. Flight attendants for Alaska Airlines have raised the same questions
in the past. American Airlines did end its contract with Twin Hill.
It has yet to be determined whether there will be an appeal
in the case. This topic has been in the aviation world news for more than half
a decade.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
