Tagpollution(85)

A study by NYU economist Michael Gilraine found that installing air filters in classrooms led to a 0.20 standard deviation improvement in math and English test scores, using a natural experiment from the 2015-2016 Aliso Canyon gas leak in Los Angeles. The gas company installed air filters in all schools within five miles of the leak, allowing researchers to compare student achievement between schools that received filters and those that did not. The findings suggest that air filtration is a cost-effective way to boost student achievement by reducing exposure to common indoor air pollutants.

The MOV-UP (Mobile ObserVations of Ultrafine Particles) study was a two-year University of Washington research project, funded by the State of Washington, that measured air quality impacts from aircraft traffic on communities living near and beneath the flight paths of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Researchers used mobile monitoring methods to collect ultrafine particle data across the affected neighborhoods, working alongside local governments, community members, and an advisory group of agency and city representatives. The findings are intended to inform policymakers and the public about the air pollution risks associated with airport operations in the Seattle-Tacoma region.

This 2009 research report examines how aircraft emissions affect local and regional air quality across the United States, including public health impacts near major airports. It analyzes baseline emissions inventories, the relationship between airport delays and increased fuel burn and pollution, and evaluates strategies such as continuous descent arrivals and schedule de-peaking to reduce emissions. The findings are intended to inform aviation environmental policy and air traffic efficiency improvements.

This February 1997 report, prepared for five cities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport along with the Highline School District and Highline Community Hospital, assesses the impacts of Sea-Tac Airport on surrounding communities and offers initial mitigation recommendations. Funded by a State of Washington grant, the study was conducted by Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum and Raytheon Infrastructure Services to address concerns such as noise and other community impacts. It represents an early collaborative effort by local jurisdictions to seek remedies and protections for residents and institutions affected by airport operations.