Air carrier flight crew reported a flight attendant notification of a strong chemical odor in the forward cabin. Due to no improvements in the air quality after troubleshooting; the flight requested special handling to a diversion airport where a safe landing was completed.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported a flight attendant notification of a strong chemical odor in the forward cabin. Due to no improvements in the air quality after troubleshooting; the flight requested special handling to a diversion airport where a safe landing was completed.
Narrative
In cruise the number one [Flight Attendant] called and reported a strong chemical smell in the forward galley and rows 1-4 in the cabin. The odor was causing eye and throat irritation; along with headaches in her and most of the passengers in the first four rows. The FO (First Officer) and myself started the Odor recognition and isolation check list. As we ran the checklist I received feedback from the number 1 and determined that the procedure was not helping. The [Flight Attendant] advised me the irritation was getting worse and the passengers were concerned. After informing ATC of our situation we were cleared to 10000 and continued running the Smoke/Fumes Removal procedure (QRH). After several minutes into this procedure inflight advised the situation was not improving and that they could no longer remain in the forward galley do to the odor. I was in contact with Dispatch and Maintenance and was advised by Maintenance that we had done all we could do. Dispatch advised that we had enough fuel to continue to ZZZ but I felt the situation was worsening and the safest action would be to divert to ZZZ1. I advised ATC of the divert and [requested priority handling] along with EMS at the gate. We were vectored to ZZZ1 and landed without an further incident. The strong odor persisted until the forward door was opened. All passengers and crew members declined medical attention and the plane was unloaded.
Second reporter narrative
[Narrative contained no additional information.]
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.