Originally Posted by
UAL T38 Phlyer
Jet-turbine oil contains Tri-Cresyl Phosphate as a stabilizing additive. The problem: it acts like other organophosphates....it’s a nerve-agent.
If the front bearing-seals leak in a jet engine, that oil will be compressed with the air, turning to vapor, and delivered via normal bleed to the Packs...and the cabin.
The best solution would be to find a substitute additive that is not a nerve agent. Because stopping ALL oil leaks is mechanically impossible.
But it may be there is no other alternative.
Future planes don't need to use bleed air for the cabin.
Getting rid of certain additives might be good, but honestly I don't want to breath ANY complex hydrocarbons (especially after they've been cooked). I believe filters are a viable option, but they would expensive and heavy enough enough that it would take regulatory intervention to get them into widespread use (like fuel tank inerting retro-fits).