Study Finds Extremely High Levels of Ultrafine Particle Pollution Among Air Passengers
A study conducted by French researchers from Université Paris Cité involved flying an instrument pack with passengers from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to various European destinations. The sensors were placed on an empty seat in the front rows or in the galley to measure ultrafine particle pollution inside the aircraft cabin.
Ultrafine particles, which are invisible and not currently regulated by air pollution laws, are often missed by conventional monitoring techniques. The study found that in-cabin ultrafine particle pollution was very low at cruise altitude in clean air, but levels were highest during boarding and taxiing, averaging more than twice the World Health Organization's high threshold.
Concentrations of ultrafine particles declined once the aircraft was airborne but rose again on approach to landing. This pattern is likely due to high particle concentrations near flight paths and downwind from airports. A similar pollution pattern was observed at destination airports. Black carbon levels showed a comparable pattern, with the greatest concentrations measured at airports.
Globally, air passenger numbers are expected to exceed 5 billion this year. Aircraft remain relatively polluting with limited emissions controls compared to road traffic and industry. Ultrafine particles originating from Charles de Gaulle Airport could be detected more than 5 kilometers away, including in surrounding communities. At Heathrow Airport, these particles were detectable across parts of London, exposing millions of people to potential pollution.
A separate review of health studies noted a lack of research on health effects for airport workers, both civilian and military, who are regularly exposed to these emissions while working at airports.
