MoD launches investigation into aircrew cancers following helicopter allegations

The government has launched an investigation into the number of military personnel diagnosed with cancer, following claims that some helicopters exposed aircrew to toxic fumes.

At least six cases have already been settled out of court by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and numerous other service members and their families are believed to be in the process of filing lawsuits.

These individuals allege that safety concerns about certain aircraft were known by officials as far back as 1999, but that no action was taken to inform the crew or implement adequate safety measures. One of the affected individuals stated, “The MoD had knowledge of the risks but chose to ignore them, leaving personnel vulnerable.”

In response, the MoD assured that it takes “the health of our personnel extremely seriously,” and is currently testing the exhaust emissions of some military helicopters. Diseases linked to these exposures include lung cancer, throat cancer, testicular cancer, and some rare blood cancers.

The Times reported last year that at least three former aircrew members have died from cancer, while others have been told their conditions are terminal.

The government is believed to acknowledge that the design flaws in certain rotary-wing aircraft increase the likelihood of engine exhaust fumes entering the cabin, which may contribute to these cancers. “There is an ongoing investigation, and we’re committed to understanding the full scale of the issue,” said an MoD spokesperson.

One of the toxic substances in aircraft fuel is benzene, a known human carcinogen. Despite the investigation, the government maintains that there is no significant risk to health. However, in November, the MoD began testing helicopter exhaust fumes to assess the situation further.

The MoD confirmed that it is working to determine how many military personnel, both active and veterans, have been diagnosed with cancer.

While the investigation officially started earlier this year and includes the RAF, Army, and Navy, it remains unclear when the government will be able to provide an initial estimate.

A Westminster source familiar with the investigation explained that due to the complexities in accessing veterans’ health records, “It will likely take years before we have a clear picture of the extent of the issue.”

Over 150 individuals are believed to have sought legal counsel, claiming to have been affected, but many of them will not be eligible for compensation, as the law allowing claims against the MoD only came into effect in 1987. At least four types of helicopters are named in legal documents, including the Sea King, Westland Wessex, Puma, and CH-47 Chinook.

According to reports, the risks associated with the Sea King helicopters were communicated to the MoD as far back as 1999.

The Sea King, which was in use by the British military from 1969 to 2018, was flown by high-profile figures like King Charles and the Prince of Wales. The Westland Wessex was retired in 2003, while the Puma and CH-47 Chinook remain in operation.

While the MoD has pointed to earlier tests conducted for the RAF that did not show dangerous contamination levels, the growing number of lawsuits has raised concerns.

In a Freedom of Information request submitted by BBC News last month, the MoD confirmed that it does not centrally collect data on the number of current or former aircrew members diagnosed with cancer. However, they did affirm that work to determine the number of affected individuals is ongoing.

A spokesperson for the MoD reiterated the commitment to personnel health, saying, “We take the health of our personnel extremely seriously and regularly review our processes to ensure that we are doing everything we can to keep our people safe.” They added, “It is essential that we can assure our people of their safety at work.”

If you believe that yourself or a loved-one has developed Cancer as a result of failures in the Military, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Get in touch with Oakwood Solicitors Ltd for a free consultation with one of our experts.

Further reading

Respiratory disease claims – Oakwood Solicitors

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