TagAviation Emissions(61)

H.R. 4087, the 'Protecting Airport Communities from Particle Emissions Act,' introduced in October 2017, directs the FAA to study ultrafine particles (tiny airborne particles under 100 nanometers) around the 20 busiest U.S. airports, including their health effects on surrounding communities. The study must examine particle sources, concentration patterns, and health impacts such as heart disease, asthma, and nervous system disorders, with special attention to disproportionate effects on communities of color and economically vulnerable residents. The FAA is required to coordinate with the EPA and Department of Health and Human Services and report findings to Congress within two years.

This 2017 presentation by Port of Seattle Sustainability Manager Leslie Stanton outlines air quality initiatives at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, covering pollution sources, reduction programs, and the Port's environmental goals. It highlights that while the Port has limited regulatory authority, it is pursuing innovative strategies to cut emissions, including efforts around ultrafine particulates and climate-related particulate matter reductions. The presentation also reviews existing air quality studies and identifies next steps for improving air quality in and around Sea-Tac Airport.

This EPA report tracks U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and sinks from 1990 to 2015, covering sources such as transportation, agriculture, industry, and waste. It was published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2017 and is available for download on the EPA website. Note: this document does not appear to contain information relevant to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

This EPA report summarizes U.S. greenhouse gas emissions data from 1990 to 2015, showing that total emissions reached 6,587 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2015, a 2.3% decrease from 2014 levels. Carbon dioxide makes up the largest share at 82% of emissions, with electricity generation and transportation being the biggest contributing economic sectors at 29% and 27% respectively. The report includes detailed emissions breakdowns by gas type, economic sector, and fuel source, along with unit conversion tables and global warming potential values for reference.

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.

This EPA fact sheet explains that aircraft contrails are line-shaped clouds made of ice crystals formed when water vapor in jet engine exhaust mixes with cold air at high altitudes. Contrails are composed primarily of water and do not pose direct health risks, but persistent contrails can spread into cirrus cloud cover and may influence the Earth's climate by affecting atmospheric cloudiness. Scientists estimate that persistent contrails cover about 0.1 percent of the Earth's surface on average, with the highest concentrations occurring over heavily trafficked air corridors like Europe and the United States.

This December 1999 report from the Washington State Department of Health investigates community health concerns near Seattle-Tacoma (SeaTac) International Airport, focusing on whether cancer rates—particularly glioblastoma and breast cancer—are elevated in surrounding neighborhoods. The report examines potential links between jet engine exhaust emissions and health outcomes, reviews air quality studies, and assesses respiratory disease risks, especially for schools located under flight paths. It was prepared collaboratively by state and county public health officials alongside community representatives.

Technical report showing aircraft engine emissions data for different aircraft types (A300, 757, 737) across various operational modes including takeoff, taxi, climb, and approach phases. Contains detailed emissions measurements for CO, HC, NOx, SOx, and particulates in kg/hr/engine units.