B737-800
Flight Attendant Current
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft; Human Factors
During the safety briefing the interior of the aircraft experienced toxic fumes penetrating the cabin. I was in the area of row 20 and suddenly smelled very strong noxious fumes as the plane backed away from the gate. I immediately ran forward and gestured to the A FA and other FAs to stop the briefing and notify the flight deck. By then; the odor had penetrated the cabin and passengers began to ring their call buttons while fanning air around them to breathe. Many had their faces covered in their shirts trying to filter the air. The A FA informed us via the flight deck that the plane needed to proceed toward taxi in order to get clean air into the cabin. The air eventually did improve although there was a visible haze in the aft galley at takeoff. All FAs onboard reported feeling light-heated and dizzy throughout the flight. After 10;000 feet we were notified that a passenger was vomiting. She reported feeling fine when she boarded. Another passenger in reported having a headache after the event. Other passengers expressed concern regarding whether the aircraft was safe to fly. The Captain did address the event with the passengers after 10;000 feet. I continued to experience several incidents of light-headedness throughout the day and into the evening following the flight.After speaking with the Captain about the event; it became clear that the flight deck was not made aware how bad the fumes had become in the cabin as not enough information had been communicated. Since the odor filled the rear of the cabin first; I should have gone forward and spoken to the Captain directly to ensure that he was getting all of the information so he can make an informed decision and take appropriate action.
B737-800 Flight Attendant reported some passengers and crew were affected by fumes in the cabin.