TagUltrafine Particulates(58)

The MOV-UP (Mobile ObserVations of Ultrafine Particles) study, presented at the Highline Forum in January 2019, was commissioned under a Washington State proviso to investigate air quality impacts from Sea-Tac Airport traffic. Researchers from the University of Washington measured ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations in communities surrounding the airport, aiming to distinguish aircraft-related pollution from other sources. A final study report was due to local governments and the community by December 1, 2019.

The Highline Forum held its January 23, 2019 meeting at Burien City Hall, focusing on an update of the University of Washington's Ultra-Fine Particle Study presented by researchers from the UW School of Public Health. The agenda also included a StART program update from the Port of Seattle's Noise Program Manager, selection of a 2019 Community Co-Chair, and a City of Burien host update. The forum scheduled six bimonthly meetings throughout 2019, rotating among cities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport including Federal Way, SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines.

A December 2018 email chain forwarded by community advocate Debi Wagner to Burien city officials shares research links connecting aviation emissions and aircraft noise to serious public health concerns, including ultrafine particle pollution, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The email references studies such as the University of Washington's MOV-UP study confirming ground-level ultrafine particle impacts near Sea-Tac Airport, as well as EPA Region X recommendations for resources on airport air quality and public health. The correspondence highlights growing community and regulatory interest in understanding the health effects of airport operations on neighborhoods surrounding Sea-Tac.

Normandy Park City Manager Mark Hoppen outlines the city's efforts to address Sea-Tac Airport noise and air quality concerns, noting that direct lawsuits against the FAA have had limited success. Key initiatives include a joint jurisdictional response to the Sustainable Airport Master Plan, a Washington State baseline airport conditions study, and a University of Washington ultrafine particulates study aimed at building evidence for federal health-based legislation. Residents are encouraged to review two StART Meeting presentations on aircraft noise and arrival altitudes, particularly slide 37 of the Altitude Analysis, which shows an increase in cargo flights potentially linked to local noise complaints.

A study of residences near Boston's Logan International Airport found that jet engine exhaust significantly raises ultrafine particle concentrations both outdoors and indoors, with levels roughly 1.7 times higher when winds blow from the airport's direction. Researchers monitored 16 homes located 4–6 km from the airport and confirmed that aviation-related particles penetrate inside residences, posing potential health risks to nearby communities. While focused on Logan Airport, the authors note these findings are likely applicable to other major airports, including those in dense urban areas.

The Highline Forum meeting, hosted by the City of Tukwila on November 15, 2017, focused on air quality concerns related to Sea-Tac Airport, featuring a briefing from University of Washington researchers on an ultrafine particles study and a discussion of related federal legislation (HR 4087). The agenda also included updates from the City of Tukwila and the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Roundtable, presented by Port of Seattle Aviation Managing Director Lance Lyttle. The two-hour session concluded with a discussion of emerging issues and planning for the 2018 Highline Forum schedule.

Researchers from the University of Washington School of Public Health were commissioned by Washington State to study ultrafine particle air pollution near Sea-Tac Airport, the busiest international airport in the state. The study, presented in November 2017, required measuring ultrafine particulate matter within ten miles of the airport along flight paths, distinguishing aircraft emissions from other pollution sources, and comparing affected areas to unaffected ones. Findings and recommendations on whether to proceed with a second phase of research were due to the state legislature by December 1, 2019.

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.