THE HAGUE, May 27 — An advocacy group that works to raise public awareness on poor air quality aboard flights is calling for an independent investigation, as more questions and studies emerge from the scientific community.

Aerotoxic Association is calling for an inquiry at The Hague’s International Criminal Court to investigate contaminated, toxic air inside planes, which they say can be linked to a slew of health problems including migraines, vision problems, extreme fatigue, respiratory issues, memory loss, concentration, confusion, muscle weakness and heart issues.

Headed by a former pilot who claims to have been poisoned by toxic fumes, the group is calling on the airline industry to "put the health and safety of the public first” and to raise public awareness on aerotoxic syndrome.

Questions linking contaminated air and human health aboard plans have been floating around since the 1950s.

Most recently, scientists studied the condition in a paper entitled Aerotoxic syndrome: a new occupational disease? which was published last month in the BMJ Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal.

After reviewing incident and accident reports, air safety recommendations, airline regulation and independent studies, authors conclude: "The aviation industry has inadequately addressed this long-standing problem, despite it being a clear threat to flight safety, occupational health and safety, occupational and public health. There is a need for further research to be undertaken to help address this important problem relevant to anyone who flies in aircraft as crew or as a passenger.” — AFP-Relaxnews