Two studies highlight serious air pollution concerns near major U.S. airports. A 2014 Massachusetts state health study found that children living near Boston's Logan Airport are up to four times more likely to develop asthma symptoms, while nearby adults are nearly twice as likely to suffer chronic lung disease. A 2015 NJIT study reinforced these concerns nationwide, finding pollution levels up to 10 times higher within nine square miles of airports—with Seattle-Tacoma Airport specifically cited for carbon monoxide levels exceeding federal guidelines.Open full document
Notes
A Boston Globe article reporting on a Massachusetts Department of Public Health study finding that children near Logan International Airport are up to four times more likely to show signs of undiagnosed asthma, and adults living nearby for three or more years are nearly twice as likely to experience chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study also references an NJIT report showing significant air pollution emissions from airports nationwide, including lead, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, sulfur oxide, and VOCs.