52 Million Europeans Exposed to Risks from Ultrafine Particles Emitted by Nearby Airports

By Rahul Somvanshi

52 million Europeans who live close to major airports may be at risk of health problems due to ultrafine particles from aeroplanes, according to a ground-breaking study by Transport & Environment (T&E).

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There is a striking association between exposure to ultrafine particles and higher incidences of dementia, diabetes, and hypertension throughout Europe, according to recent statistics.

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The health effects are extensive, with 280,000 cases of hypertension, 330,000 cases of diabetes, and 18,000 cases of dementia associated with airport emissions.

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Residents who live five kilometres from an airport are exposed to concentrations of 3,000 to 10,000 ultrafine particles per cubic centimetre, which can infiltrate deeply into body organs.

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According to research, the majority of these health risks are found in lower-class neighbourhoods that are typically found close to airports.

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There are still no acceptable level guidelines for ultrafine particles in our air, even after the World Health Organisation issued warnings more than 15 years ago.

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According to T&E's research, creative fixes like better fuel might reduce these emissions by70%, possibly resolving the health issue.

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T&E's Carlos Lopez de la Osa highlights how urgent it is to enact jet fuel regulations for the benefit of the environment and public health.

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There is a growing demand for stricter regulatory adjustments and a decrease in aviation traffic as Europe struggles with the invisible hazards of air pollution.

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