Narrative:

The incoming flight attendants said that the forward lavatory (odor) was coming under the seal/wall by the forward jumpseat and the threshold. They said it smelled toxic hard to breathe. The mechanics said that there was nothing they could do because the cabin wasn't pressurized and were not able to take it to altitude to test it. It was their opinion that it was most likely black water from under the floor. He said that water was toxic smelling thick and gross. In order to fly I did not feel I should sit in the front where the possible exposure to toxic fumes. I have had exposures in the past that have made me very susceptible to getting sick. We did not want to take a delay and call another flight attendant the flight was very empty. So the D flight attendant said she was okay with flying the a position and the C said she would sit up front. We were rushing to get it boarded and neglected to call scheduling to inform them of the trade. I was able to sit in the back with a mask on. In case the toxic air was circulating throughout the air. I believe it shouldn't take 3 flight attendants to write up an issue before something serious like this happens. The companies motto is safety 1st. I also beilieve wearing masks should be handed out to flight crew and passengers in situations like this if it is not going to be fixed.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Flight Attendant reported a fume event due to odor in the forward lavatory area during preflight. Flight attendant seating reassignment accommodated aircraft departure.

Narrative: The incoming flight attendants said that the forward lavatory (odor) was coming under the seal/wall by the forward jumpseat and the threshold. They said it smelled toxic hard to breathe. The mechanics said that there was nothing they could do because the cabin wasn't pressurized and were not able to take it to altitude to test it. It was their opinion that it was most likely black water from under the floor. He said that water was toxic smelling thick and gross. In order to fly I did not feel I should sit in the front where the possible exposure to toxic fumes. I have had exposures in the past that have made me very susceptible to getting sick. We did not want to take a delay and call another flight attendant the flight was very empty. So the D flight attendant said she was okay with flying the A position and the C said she would sit up front. We were rushing to get it boarded and neglected to call scheduling to inform them of the trade. I was able to sit in the back with a mask on. In case the toxic air was circulating throughout the air. I believe it shouldn't take 3 flight attendants to write up an issue before something serious like this happens. The companies motto is safety 1st. I also beilieve wearing masks should be handed out to flight crew and passengers in situations like this if it is not going to be fixed.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.