Date: 201811
Aircraft: A321
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Aircraft component: Pneumatic System
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Reporter qualification: Flight Attendant Current
Human factors: Physiological - Other
Second reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Attendant
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: About 10+ mins after ascending I received a call from Flight Attendant 2 asking if I smelled anything out of the ordinary. I did. Initially; it was a very faint chemical-like smell. I got out of my Jump seat (3L) and walked a few rows towards the forward part of the cabin and the smell was about the same. I then called the Flight Attendant 1 to share my observations. Flight Attendant 1 was in communication with the flight deck. Afterwards; I went to the aft part of aircraft and the smell got stronger. Now; it was a chemical/car coolant leak smell. At one point; someone opened one of the lav doors in the aft; and the smell intensified. Some pax shared similar observations about the smell in the cabin. Shortly after; the captain came over the PA and informed pax that we were returning to ZZZ [departure airport] as a result of a cabin odor. While preparing for landing; I started feeling tingling in my legs. I returned to my jumpseat upon doing my compliance checks; and the tingling sensation increased. I also felt my thoughts get fogged. We landed; arrived at the gate; and deplaned. Emergency personnel and [Manager On Duty] were available to assist and guide us to get medical assistance. About 2 pax that felt ill received medical attention in the terminal. We requested to go to the hospital. [Manager On Duty] coordinated our transportation to the hospital; guided and assisted us to our transportation. Once at the ER; I got a headache; continued to feel tingling in my body; and my thoughts were fogged. My initial blood pressure reading was slightly elevated. My second reading was even higher. Please note that I don't have a history of high blood pressure. My carbon monoxide levels were measured and no CO poisoning was detected. I was released from the ER. (Before being released; my blood pressure reading was within normal range). It is currently [a few days after] and I have a headache; feel very tired; my arms and legs feel sore; and my thoughts are still fogged.


Second narrative: I was the number 2 Flight Attendant sitting at the 4L 4R doors; direct view jump seat. We; the entire flight crew and all passengers onboard; experienced toxic fume odors and possible carbon monoxide poisoning throughout the cabin after takeoff climbing through 10;000 feet. Presented to hospital with symptoms of nausea [and] headache.Please for our health and safety of employees and passengers; please please ensure the Maintenance on these aircraft are in compliance. Our lives are on the line. We want to be able to come to work and not have to be subject to breathing toxics air to save money. Our lives and our passengers' lives are more important. Treat us the way you would treat your families. Please respect our lives.


Synopsis: Two flight attendants reported cabin fumes led to a return to the departure airport and transport for medical evaluation.