Boeing's foot-and-mouth warning

Boeing warns disinfectant can make landing gear brittle

Boeing has warned European airlines that they could be damaging their aircraft by disinfecting them for foot-and-mouth disease.

The world's largest plane manufacturer confirmed to BBC News Online it had issued a letter in March to all airlines using its aircraft in Europe.

It warned that the disinfectants - sodium hypochloride or bleach - could attack metal work.

The manufacturers of tyres for planes - Dunlop, Goodyear and Michelin - had also issued warnings about the effect of the chemicals on their durability, the Boeing spokesman said.

No effect.... yet

Since the warning was issued, Boeing has had no reports of damage but said it could be too early to know the full effects.

British Airways, Europe's largest airline, said it had received Boeing's letter but could not confirm if its planes had been treated.

"We have contacted our stations all around the world and informed them to ensure that the disinfectants are used in a safe and responsible way," a BA spokesman said.

Boeing told the airlines the chemical can cause the brakes, axles and landing gear to become brittle and make them wear faster than normal, creating a potential safety hazard.

Boeing sent the warning after several airlines asked about the effect of the disinfectant.

Planes arriving at airports in England, France, Italy and Spain have been sprayed with the disinfectant since March.