Little-studied pollutant from planes threatens the health of millions
Ultrafine air pollution from planes threatens the health of millions New Scientist
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Jet Engines Emitting Ultrafine Particles Harm Health of Millions Living near Airports
Jet engines produce large amounts of ultrafine particles
Aerovista Luchtfotografie/Shutterstock
Introduction
A study commissioned by the campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) reveals that the health of over 50 million people residing within a 20-kilometre radius of Europe’s busiest airports is being negatively impacted by high levels of ultrafine air pollution emitted by jet engines.
The Impact of Ultrafine Particles
Studies suggest that ultrafine particles can increase the risk of various health conditions, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological conditions, diabetes, and pregnancy issues. The research conducted by consultancy CE Delft in the Netherlands aimed to estimate the Europe-wide impact of ultrafine pollution based on these studies.
Uncertainties and Lack of Monitoring
Ultrafine pollution is a relatively understudied aspect of air pollution, leading to significant uncertainties. There is limited research in this area, and the evidence is often inconclusive. Monitoring of ultrafine particle levels is also lacking, with only local studies conducted around individual airports.
Estimating the Europe-wide Impact
The researchers estimated the levels of ultrafine pollution around Europe’s 32 busiest airports by extrapolating data from studies conducted at individual airports. They assumed a linear relationship between ultrafine pollution and the number of flights, without considering wind patterns. Based on studies examining the health impacts of ultrafine particles, the team estimated that the pollution near these airports has resulted in additional cases of high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia.
Limitations and the Need for Further Research
The estimates provided by the study are considered a first-order approximation and should be further refined through epidemiological research. The study’s scope is limited to 32 airports and individuals living within a 20-kilometre radius, excluding airport workers. More comprehensive research is necessary to fully understand the risks associated with ultrafine particles from aviation.
Potential Solutions
To reduce ultrafine pollution levels, several measures can be implemented. Modifying jet fuels, such as reducing the sulphur content, can help decrease ultrafine particle emissions. The use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) also results in lower ultrafine pollution. However, scaling up SAF production to have a significant impact may take time. Limiting airport expansion, reducing flight numbers, and promoting alternative forms of transportation can also contribute to reducing both ultrafine pollution and the climate impacts of flying.
Topics:
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, potential indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:
- Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to ultrafine air pollution from jet engines.
- Levels of ultrafine particles near airports.
- Number of cases of high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia attributed to ultrafine pollution near airports.
- Reduction in sulphur content in jet fuels.
- Increase in the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels.
- Reduction in airport expansion and flight numbers.
- Increased use of alternative forms of transport.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to ultrafine air pollution from jet engines. – Number of cases of high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia attributed to ultrafine pollution near airports. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Levels of ultrafine particles near airports. – Reduction in sulphur content in jet fuels. – Increase in the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels. – Reduction in airport expansion and flight numbers. – Increased use of alternative forms of transport. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Reduction in sulphur content in jet fuels. – Increase in the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels. – Reduction in airport expansion and flight numbers. – Increased use of alternative forms of transport. |
Source: newscientist.com
