The scientific community has highlighted the health hazards of particulate matter PM2.5, but research on ultra-fine particles remains limited. These particles, which are even smaller than PM2.5, can penetrate the human body more easily. The World Health Organization issued a warning about them 15 years ago, there are still no safety standards for UFP concentrations yet.

A study released in June by the non-governmental organization Transport & Environment indicates that over 10% of Europeans, approximately 52 million people, live around busy airports and may be exposed to UFPs emitted by aircraft during takeoff and landing. These individuals' hypertension, diabetes, and dementia may be linked to UFP exposure.

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. UFPs are even smaller, with diameters of less than 0.1 micrometers, making them 1000 times smaller than human hair and more easily able to enter the body. A 2019 study has linked UFPs to brain cancer.

In addition to vehicles, aircraft emit UFPs during flight, takeoff, and landing. According to T&E, the air within a 5-kilometer radius of an airport contains between 3,000 and 10,000 UFPs per cubic centimeter, and UFPs may be associated with respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and pregnancy risks.

T&E points out that this is the first study focusing on the health risks associated with UFPs from aviation emissions in Europe. The findings reveal that up to 280,000 cases of hypertension, 330,000 cases of diabetes, and 18,000 cases of dementia among residents near airports may be linked to UFP exposure. Communities near airports typically have lower incomes, meaning that vulnerable populations are more likely to be affected by air pollution.

These tiny particles have already entered human blood, brains, and placentas, but specific data on their health effects is still lacking. Euronews reports that T&E’s aviation technology manager, Carlos López de la Osa, stated that UFPs are "extremely dangerous" because their smaller size allows them to penetrate the body more deeply.

T&E’s research also found that using higher-quality fuels could reduce UFP emissions by 70%. For example, hydrotreatment of fuel effectively removes impurities. This technology has been used in automotive and marine fuels for decades, costing less than 5 cents per liter, but aviation fuel standards have not yet improved. Additionally, reducing air traffic, using sustainable aviation fuels, or employing hydrogen and other low-carbon-powered aircraft can help reduce UFP emissions.

Reference:
*euronews（2024/6/25），High blood pressure, diabetes, dementia: How plane pollution could threaten the health of 52m Europe

*Transportenvironment（2024/6/25），Ultrafine particles from planes put 52 million Europeans at risk of serious health conditions

*Transportenvironment（2024/6/25），Can living near an airport make you ill?

Source: Environmental Information Center