Updated Dec. 12, 2025 — A Temple University law professor has filed a lawsuit against Boeing, saying he suffered lasting health problems after breathing toxic fumes aboard a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 last year.
Jonathan Harris alleges that during an August 2024 flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles, the cabin filled with a foul odor he described as ‘dirty socks’ while the plane sat on the runway for about 45 minutes after landing. The complaint says the smell — and a mixture of hazardous chemicals — contaminated the cabin air before passengers disembarked.
The suit notes that cabin contamination can occur when bleed air drawn from engines and used for cabin ventilation is tainted, for example by engine oil, hydraulic fluid or jet fuel if a seal fails. A CBS News review of Federal Aviation Administration incident reports found that such events are reported frequently. Boeing’s 787 is the only commercial jet that does not rely on engine bleed air; Harris’s filing highlights that many other models can expose cabins to heated engine oils and related compounds.
According to the complaint, Harris became nauseous and vomited into a plastic bag while still seated; another passenger also vomited, and the captain apologized over the intercom for the odor. Since the incident, Harris reports ongoing symptoms including dizziness, confusion, nausea, muscle pain, vertigo, memory loss, as well as mental anguish, depression, anxiety and lost wages.
Harris, an associate law professor, filed the lawsuit in the Arlington County, Virginia, circuit court seeking $40 million in damages plus attorneys’ fees. Boeing and Delta declined to comment on the litigation.
Separately, Delta said in September it would replace auxiliary power units on 300 Airbus A320 aircraft as part of efforts to address reported toxic fume incidents. The case highlights ongoing industry and regulatory scrutiny over reports of cabin air contamination and passenger and crew health concerns.