Military aircraft and exposure to toxic fumes

Around 200 service personnel and veterans suffering from cancer after exposure to toxic fumes are taking legal action against the Ministry of Defence.

The MoD confirmed in February it was trying to determine the number of people who have served as aircrew who have been diagnosed with cancer and was testing the exhaust emissions of its rotary wing aircraft.

It can now be revealed that claims are currently being pursued in relation to four military aircraft - the Sea King, the Westland Wessex, the Puma and the CH-47 Chinook.

Diseases contracted by some of the crew who flew the helicopters include lung cancer, throat cancer, testicular cancer and some rare forms of blood cancer.