60 Reasons to Protest: Reason #38 – Air Pollution
We talk mainly about noise pollution and its damaging effect on health and wellbeing as well as jeopardising the learning abilities in children. But we shouldn’t forget the detrimental impact of the aviation industry’s air pollution on health and wellbeing either.
While the aviation industry rebuts health concerns relating to avgas used by planes with internal combustion engines by saying “but jets are clean,” there’s more to that story. Ultra-fine particle air pollution from all forms of aviation including jets is a growing concern due to its impact on both the environment and human health. These particles, which are less than 0.1 microns in size, are produced by all aircraft engines and can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Exposure to ultra-fine particle air pollution from aviation, particularly for those living near airports and under flight paths, has been linked to various health implications and diseases. These can include:
- Respiratory diseases: Ultra-fine particles can enter deep into the lungs and cause inflammation and damage, leading to conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Cardiovascular diseases: Studies have shown a link between exposure to ultra-fine particles and increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Cancer: Ultra-fine particles may contain carcinogens and have been linked to increased risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer.
- Neurological effects: Exposure to ultra-fine particles has been linked to cognitive decline and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
- Reproductive and developmental effects: Studies have shown that exposure to ultra-fine particles can have negative effects on fetal growth and development, and may also affect fertility.
The full extent of the health implications of ultra-fine particle air pollution from aviation is still being studied, and more research is needed to fully understand the impact on human health. However, there is growing evidence of the negative effects on health, particularly for those living near airports and under flight paths.
What about tank water?
The link between ultra-fine particle air pollution from the aviation industry and its impact on ground and tank water is due to the deposition of these particles onto surfaces, including rooftops and the ground. When it rains, these particles can be washed off these surfaces and into the soil or water sources such as rivers, lakes, and rainwater tanks.
The presence of ultra-fine particles in water can have several negative impacts on human health and the environment. These particles can contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals, which can be toxic to aquatic life and can also pose a risk to human health if ingested through contaminated water. In addition, ultra-fine particles can accumulate in water tanks over time, leading to reduced water quality and the need for more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
For those who rely on rainwater harvesting and water tanks, the impact of ultra-fine particle air pollution from aviation can be particularly significant. Without access to other water sources, any contamination of their tank water can pose a significant risk to their health and wellbeing.
We have compiled below links to further readings. Please also check out our library of peer-reviewed academic papers on the topic.
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Further readings
- UECNA webinar on ultra-fine particle pollution, March 2023.
- Australia’s air pollution hotspots hit disadvantaged people harder, The Guardian, 04/05/2023
- Pollutionwatch – concerns over ultrafine particles from aircraft, The Guardian, 11/02/2022
- Pollutionwatch – fine particles affect lungs of those near airports, The Guardian, 01/01/2021
- Activists push back against rising air pollution from Sea-Tac Airport
- UK government will not commit to immediate lowering of air pollution levels to WHO limits
- Airport pollution linked to acute health effects among people with asthma in Los Angeles
- Planes’ exhaust could be harming communities up to 10 miles from LAX
- Ultrafine particles in the vicinity of Schiphol Airport affect health
Examples of peer-reviewed academic studies:
- Bendtsen, K. M., et al. (2021). A review of health effects associated with exposure to jet engine emissions in and around airports. Environmental Health, 20(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-020-00690-y
- Zhang, X., et al. (2019). A number-based inventory of size-resolved black carbon particle emissions by global civil aviation. Nature Communications, 10(1), 534. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-08491-9
- Habre, R., et al. (2018). Short-term effects of airport-associated ultrafine particle exposure on lung function and inflammation in adults with asthma. Environment International, 118, 48–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.05.031
- Keuken, M. P., et al. (2015). Total and size-resolved particle number and black carbon concentrations in urban areas near Schiphol airport (the Netherlands). Atmospheric Environment, 104, 132–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2015.01.015
