Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 18000
Communication Breakdown; Physiological - Other; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General Maintenance Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft; Company Policy
I was assigned to deadhead to ZZZZ and layover and ferry an aircraft back to ZZZ the following morning at XA00 local. I called Dispatch to determine the status of the airplane. Dispatch told me the flight was being delayed and asked me if I knew what was going with the aircraft to which I replied in the negative. Dispatcher explained that there was a cockroach infestation and the normal chemicals [company] uses in the USA weren't able to eradicate the cockroaches. So the airplane was flown to ZZZZ where they are able to use chemicals which are not approved in the USA. Dispatcher further explained it was their understanding the plane would require 24 hours after being fumigated before it would be habitable. While having my breakfast at XB00 local I received a flight plan pushed to my cell. I called Dispatch for an update and there was a new Dispatcher on duty. I explained to him what the previous Dispatcher had told me and he connected me with [Maintenance] Tech and the Tech said the 24 hours wasn't necessary and the airplane was ready to go. I called the First Officer with the update and we went to ZZZZ Operations in the terminal for the ride to the hardstand. Normal preflight; etc and just before the door closed I could feel the beginnings of a headache. I believe I commented to the First Officer at that time and he said he was fine. Enroute my headache kept getting worse and I informed the First Officer and once again he felt fine. Upon arrival I went to the clinic that administers services for [company]. I filled out reams of paperwork and met with both a nurse and [a] doctor. Doctor suggested ibuprofen and also told me they would prescribe high dosage ibuprofen which I declined. Inadequate safety precautions and using chemicals which presumably would not be legal in the USA. Much longer decontamination time after fumigation when using highly toxic substances.
Air carrier Captain reported illness when company technician failed to follow safety precautions after fumigation using highly toxic substances.