Study Reveals Six Million Britons at Risk of Health Issues from Aeroplane Emissions
Research conducted by Transport & Environment shows that residents near major UK airports face health risks due to ultrafine particles emitted by airplanes, urging for regulatory actions and cleaner technologies.
A study by the environmental group Transport & Environment (T&E) has found that approximately six million people in the UK are at increased risk of health issues due to exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs) emitted by airplanes. These particles, which are smaller than 100 nanometres in diameter, are particularly concerning because they can penetrate deeply into the human body, reaching the blood, brain, and placentas.
The study, conducted by Dutch consultancy CE Delft on behalf of T&E, highlights that residents living within a 20km radius of major UK airports such as London Gatwick, Stansted, Heathrow, and Manchester are affected. In total, this impacts about 9% of the UK population. In Europe, the 32 busiest airports expose 52 million people to similar risks.
Exposure to UFPs is linked to severe health problems, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular effects, and pregnancy complications. The study also suggests a link to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia.
People within a 5km radius of an airport are found to breathe air containing 3,000 to 10,000 UFPs per cubic centimeter, similar to levels in busy city centers. The researchers recommend using higher-quality jet fuel, which can reduce UFP emissions by up to 70%, along with other measures like reducing air traffic and adopting cleaner technologies.
Despite warnings from the World Health Organization about UFPs being a pollutant of concern for 15 years, there are no specific regulations on safe levels in the air. The study calls for regulatory actions and improvements in jet fuel standards to address this “hidden health crisis.”