Former RAF pilots and aircrew who 'dying from cancer' launch legal action against the MoD who they claim 'knew potential risks of toxic exhaust fumes' from military helicopters
Former RAF pilots and aircrew allegedly dying of cancer have launched legal action against the Ministry of Defence who they claim knew the potential risks of toxic exhaust fumes coming from military helicopters.
Testimony from sick personnel and their families claims the MoD knew about the potential dangers for more than 10 years and failed to act on them.
Troops who travelled in Sea King, Wessex and Puma and Chinook helicopters have developed cancers including multiple myeloma, lung cancer, testicular cancer and throat cancer, The Times reported.
The newspaper revealed that almost 40 of the troops diagnosed with cancer are currently suing the MoD. The number of those who have come forward is predicted to double in the coming weeks.
At least three of those affected are already understood to have died, with their heartbroken families left fighting for justice.
Zach Stubbings trained with Prince William and has received a payout
Zach Stubbings with his wife Anna-Louise at home in Cardiff
Meanwhile, others have been told their cancer is terminal while some are struggling to have children as a result of their illness.
Some former service personnel have been handed out-of-court settlements, including former flight sergeant and helicopter winchman Zach Stubbings, who trained Prince William.
Documents exposed amid legal fights have revealed the government was aware of the dangers of the Sea King's exhaust as long ago as 1999.
But it carried on allowing aircrew to fly in the helicopter without safety precautions regardless of the risks.
Leading barrister at Normanton Chambers, Jonathan Dingle, said engine jet efflux gases - containing benzene carcinogens - 'were apparently being sucked through the cabin and out again through the cockpits - mixing as the air which everyone onboard the aircraft was breathing'.
Documents exposed amid legal fights have revealed the government was aware of the dangers of the Sea King's exhaust as long ago as 1999
Mr Dingle said: 'The Germans knew about it roughly the same time and installed longer exhaust options on some of their aircraft to draw the exhaust away.'
However, those aircrew serving in the British military 'were not provided with masks or filters or purified air or any form of filtration system. They were not warned about the whole system,' he said.
An MoD spokesperson said: 'We hugely value our service personnel and veterans and owe a debt of gratitude to all those who serve, often with great personal sacrifice. We continually review our policies to ensure they are aligned with good practice and protect our people from harm.
'Service personnel and veterans who believe they have suffered ill health due to service from 6 April 2005 have the existing and long standing right to apply for no-fault compensation under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.'
