Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Physiological - Other
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Prior to boarding; the flight attendants smelled an odor.  I also smelled it; but did not think it was a toxic fume.  We decided together to continue with our flight.   The odor persisted the whole flight.  On the descent it became very strong.  I had a metallic taste in my mouth.  Upon landing the flight attendants called up about it.  All of them had the metallic taste in their mouths and burning eyes.  We called Maintenance.  Maintenance met us at the gate and as soon as the door was opened they could smell it. [The] cause was engine oil in the packs. I will never accept an aircraft with any unknown odor.
Air carrier Captain reported a fumes event prior to boarding. After departure the fumes progressively worsened requiring Maintenance upon destination arrival.