A320
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted
Aircraft
We boarded the airplane upon its arrival. Immediately upon boarding the aircraft we were overcome by the smell of ammonia/something toxic. We immediately called for assistance. There were 5 mechanics present (3 working on the APU; 2 working on Door 1L interphone PA) and ALL commented on the smell. The cleaners who were still present also had their faces covered while cleaning due to the overwhelming fumes. After a series of telephone calls [from] various in-flight supervisors; customer service supervisors; mechanics all of who could also smell the smell which was overwhelming came and experienced the smell themselves. The Captain refused to fly the airplane. The First Officer had already been advocating and communicating for a new airplane. Meanwhile the mechanics were still working on the original PA and APU issue (until XA:13 to be exact which would have had us have a delayed boarding anyway possible late departure for mechanical reasons). After much advocating and attempting to use our best CRM skills with the Company the aircraft was taken out of service. We were concerned that aircraft and air quality were toxic-possibly a chemical spill during maintenance on the APU or even unsafe chemicals used during the renovation of the airplane (carpets; seats; etc.). The environment [was] unsafe for flight-especially pressurized at altitude with no outside air and would have led to much bigger problems such as crew members becoming so ill they couldn't fly and medical necessity would force a diversion or emergency landing. Passengers would become ill (including the 21 children and lap infants on board) or heaven forbid death caused by the toxic chemicals. We all felt our eyes burning. My nose wouldn't stop running and my throat was burning. Other members of the crew suffered headaches and even a nosebleed. I am feeling much better after getting away from the toxic area of fumes and airplane however if I need to I will follow up with a physician/medical treatment.
A Flight Attendant reported that upon boarding an A320 in preparation for a revenue flight she was struck by noxious fumes that had also been noted by the flight crew and maintenance workers already on board. The aircraft was unanimously determined to be unfit for service.