Date: 202108
Light: Dawn
Aircraft: B737-700
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Human factors: Workload
Anomaly: Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Attendant
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Diverted; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Contributing factors: Human Factors
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: Halfway through our flight our B-Flight Attendant asked to come into the flight deck and talk with us. When she got to the flight deck she indicated that there was a very strong cleaning/bug spray smell in the aft galley. Additionally; our C-Flight Attendant was complaining of coughing and having a hard time taking a deep breath because of the strong cleaning smell. Our A-Flight Attendant didn't smell anything. No Passengers were indicating concern and we didn't smell anything. The Captain asked the Flight Attendant (F/A) if she was medically concerned; and if so; we would patch through to medic so she could communicate her concern. All the F/As indicated they were feeling OK and did not want to contact medic. They just wanted someone to look at the aircraft in ZZZ. At that point the Captain told her we would put the packs to high to help eliminate the strong cleaning odor. We also contacted Dispatch through ACARS to discuss the situation and see if there was an anti-microbial spray completed the night before. Additionally; we informed Dispatch that the F/As were not comfortable taking the aircraft on our next leg. Dispatch wanted a patch through ARINC to get F/As; operations and medic on the line for a conference call.  During their discussion; Dispatch sent us an ACARS message to divert to ZZZ1. As a result; we notified ATC of our intention to divert. The Captain notified the F/As and Passengers of our intent; as well.As a precaution we accomplished the Smoke; Fire; or Fumes QRC and referenced QRH Smoke; Fire or Fumes Checklist in case the situation escalated. Dispatch notified us the aircraft had been sprayed the night before with antimicrobial spray. We communicated with our A-Flight Attendant on what to expect on landing; taxi; and at the gate. We kept in constant communication with the A F/A to constantly reassess our situation. On our descent into ZZZ1 medic recommended the two Flight Attendants having issues breathing use the portable oxygen. With that information; we [advised] ATC to have Medical Personnel standing by. We then accomplished all appropriate checklists and landed uneventfully.The anti-microbial spray the night before was a bit much. That needs to be more regulated. I think the call to divert was a good call; but happened very fast. Our Crew day also ended up being super long with this diversion on our first leg. We were OK to continue after the diversion; but that kind of day; with what we went through; is probably not completely safe.




Synopsis: B737-700 First Officer reported Flight Attendants were experiencing physiological symptoms from 'very strong ' cabin fumes. After consultation with Dispatch it was determined to divert for maintenance action.