Air passengers exposed to high levels of ultrafine particle pollution
a day ago
- #health-risks
- #air-travel
- #air-pollution
- Study reveals high concentrations of ultrafine particles breathed by airline passengers, especially during boarding and taxiing.
- Ultrafine particles are invisible and not covered by air pollution laws, despite evidence of health risks including lung inflammation and heart problems.
- Pollution levels in aircraft cabins are low at cruise altitude but spike on the ground, exceeding WHO high levels by more than twice.
- Black carbon or soot particles are also highest when aircraft are at airports.
- Global air passenger numbers are expected to exceed 5 billion this year, with aircraft being relatively polluting compared to road traffic and industry.
- Ultrafine particles from airports spread into neighboring communities, with concentrations similar to busy urban roads.
- Particles from Charles de Gaulle and Heathrow airports affect areas up to 5km away, impacting millions of people.