A321
Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Aircraft; Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related
Sat on taxiway with no movement. [9 minutes after doors closed] fumes entered Aft Galley where myself (#6) and #2 were seated. Passengers in last row commented on fumes. Flight Attendant #1 made public address 'fumes are due to engine restart and will dissipate once we're moving.'Fortunately; I carry a mask for these occasions; however; #2 did not have a mask and was suffering. And even though I do have a mask; I was still exposed as this mask doesn't necessarily filter jet engine exhaust; nor does it cover the eyes. #6 left jump seat because he could no longer bear the fumes. Meanwhile; #1 called me to ask if I wanted to return to gate. Yes; I wanted to; however; I wanted it to be a joint decision with the #6 but he was standing in the aisle. I yelled for him to return to Galley. He indicated he didn't want to return to gate. In my opinion; he was toughing it out and didn't want to appear weak; etc. He later admitted this was the incorrect decision. I had no time to talk sense into him because at that point takeoff was imminent. He required oxygen in flight.Knowing that this is a known potential issue on Airbus; pilots should have informed us of the situation so we would have had time to protect ourselves; or some other action should have been taken by pilots to protect us. Instead; we sat with the fumes for 30 minutes. Pilots never said a word to us or asked how we were. This is an extremely serious issue with potential long-term health impact and was preventable; in my opinion.
A321 Flight Attendant reported after engine start; fumes entered the cabin aft galley area.