B737-800
Flight Attendant Current
Distraction; Physiological - Other; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Maintenance Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft; Human Factors
I became aware that our scheduled plane was the plane which we had brought in the day before and had significant problems with an odor in the cabin that started during engine power and became significantly strong on descent. As one of the pilots that brought the plane in was deplaning I asked him if he smelled anything unusual during the flight in. His response was that he did smell a 'dirty gym' smell on takeoff and landing. I reported this information to our pilots and also called the Duty Supervisor to report what I had been told and my concerns about taking this plane out. Upon engine start up the smell was detectable to all crew members including the pilots; upon reaching higher altitudes it dissipated and again on descent became stronger. Crew members reported various symptoms including headaches; burning in throat; metallic taste in mouth; itching on face and body rash. On descent some passengers commented on smell and some were seen covering their nose.
The reporter stated that she personally was fatigued for two days following the event but since then has not experienced long term effects. Two other flight attendants sought medical attention and their blood tested for carbon monoxide with negative results. Requests for other diagnostic testing; which may have been more conclusive about agents causing the ill effects were rejected. Two flight attendants did have lingering effects; one with a severe skin reaction and the other; who is not back at work; had a lung issue. The reporter stated that she contacted her Company's Maintenance Department and was told that the aircraft was removed from service; so the APU could be replaced.
A B737-800 Flight Attendant was assigned an aircraft the day following a flight in the aircraft which had the dirty socks odor after engine start; on climb and again on descent. Following this event; crew members had headaches; burning throats; metallic mouth taste and skin reactions. The APU was replaced.