CASA media release - Friday 25 July 2008
Leading medical figure to head cabin air study
A leading Australian medical figure has been appointed to head a new group of experts to look at the issue of cabin air quality inside aircraft.
Dr Michael Bollen will lead the Expert Panel on Aircraft Air Quality, which will review potential crew and passenger health issues related to aircraft cabin air quality.
The Panel will examine expert reports, invite submissions and make sure all groups with an interest in this subject have a chance to present information and viewpoints.
In addition, the Panel will critically review scientific research into cabin air quality and produce a synopsis of current Australian and international knowledge.
Recommendations will be made on whether further research is required or if other actions may be appropriate. These recommendations will be presented to existing Cabin Air Quality Reference Group, which includes representatives from airlines, unions and industry groups.
Dr Bollen is a medical graduate with over 25 years experience as a general practitioner. He also has wide-ranging experience in chairing successful committees with diverse memberships.
This has included chairing Medibank Private's Health Innovations Committee, the National Health and Medical Research Council's Communications Working Group and the Australian Government's Expert Committee on Complementary Medicines in the Australian Health System.
In 2006, Dr Bollen was involved in a clinical review of multiple chemical sensitivity for the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme.
This expertise in chemical sensitivity issues will assist him in exploring issues related to cabin air and appreciating the various perspectives expected to be shared in panel deliberations.
Dr Bollen will now work with CASA to appoint members of the Expert Panel on Aircraft Air Quality.
Panel members will include people with experience and qualifications in occupational and/or public health, epidemiology, immunology, toxicology, chemical risk assessment, aircraft operations and airworthiness.
The panel will meet up to eight times over the next 18 months and submit its final report by the first quarter of 2010.
Dr Bollen's previous positions have included developing the first purpose-built, multi-disciplinary community health centre in South Australia and membership of the South Australian Health Commission.
Other appointments have included positions with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Director of Medibank Private and his current role as Director of the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.
Further information regarding the Expert Panel on Aircraft Air Quality.
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR8008