B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 213.57; Flight Crew Total 3659.75; Flight Crew Type 3659.75
Situational Awareness; Physiological - Other
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Maintenance Action; General Work Refused
Aircraft
Our original plane diverted and we were given a replacement plane. Upon entering the plane; a strong chemical smell was very apparent. We turned on the APU and ran packs to try and dissipate the smell. I started to get a headache from the smell and instructed the crew to get off the plane. I called Dispatch and was conferenced in with [Maintenance Control]. Apparently this plane had been at the hangar for the last 176 hours and among other things had received new carpet and flooring in the galleys. The smell may have been from the glue. The Supervisor and a representative from Flight Ops came on board as well. I determined that due to the smell it would be unsafe for myself; crew; and passengers to be on this plane in its current condition.
B737 Captain reported refusing aircraft during preflight due to strong chemical smell throughout the aircraft resulting in health issues.