A jury in California has reached a verdict in a case involving American Airlines flight attendants and a clothing company. The jury ruled that the clothing company should pay more than $1 million to four flight attendants who blamed the chemicals used in the production of their uniforms for causing various health issues including rashes, headaches, and breathing problems. This verdict could be just the beginning, as lawyers claim to represent over 400 other flight attendants with similar claims against the uniform maker. The flight attendants' complaints started after American Airlines provided new uniforms in 2016, a welcome change for many after a decade of wearing the same outfit.

However, soon after, health problems began to emerge. One flight attendant, Tracey Silver-Charan, described waking up with swollen eyes and difficulty breathing. She often felt on the verge of passing out while on the job and had to be rushed to urgent care by her husband. Silver-Charan, who has been a flight attendant for 37 years, chose to take legal action in 2017, along with a group of other flight attendants, to see how the jury would view their case. The jury determined that the uniforms provided by the clothing company, Twin Hill Acquisition Co., were a "substantial factor in causing harm to the flight attendants." However, they did not find the company negligent in the design of the garments or in failing to recall them when complaints arose.

Daniel Balaban, one of the lawyers for the airline employees, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "We couldn't represent better clients - who doesn't love a flight attendant?" Balaban also mentioned that other cases could go to trial if Twin Hill decides against settling. The flight attendants' lawsuit claimed that their uniforms contained traces of formaldehyde, toluene, and other toxic chemicals, which have been linked to health problems. Formaldehyde has been used in fabric for years to reduce wrinkles and increase longevity. A 2018 study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health reported a link between new uniforms and health complaints among Alaska Airlines attendants.

However, defense lawyers presented expert witnesses who disputed the potential health effects of the uniforms, and Silver-Charan noted that none of the defense experts ever tested her uniform for chemicals or consulted with her. The jury proposed a compensation amount of $320,000 for lost income and pain and suffering for Silver-Charan and $750,000 in damages for Brenda Sabbatino, the two flight attendants chosen by their lawyers. The other two flight attendants, selected by defense lawyers and who reported less severe health effects, were awarded $10,000 and $5,000 in damages.

Twin Hill could request the judge to reduce the jury's award and may also choose to appeal the verdict. American Airlines eventually ended their contract with Twin Hill and contracted with Land's End for their uniforms. This case highlights the potential risks associated with chemicals used in uniform production and raises questions about the responsibility of clothing companies to ensure the safety of their products. As the lawsuit continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the court will consider the claims of the hundreds of flight attendants still awaiting resolution.