TagUniversity Of Washington(24)

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.

This March 2000 report, prepared by Washington State health and environmental agencies, examines whether jet engine exhaust emissions from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport can be monitored or modeled using wind and takeoff data. It reviews previous air quality studies, outlines health and environmental justice concerns for nearby communities, and recommends a structured air quality monitoring study with specific methods, data analysis approaches, and estimated costs. The report was developed in consultation with community representatives, the EPA, and local universities.

A 1999 University of Washington study measured nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to determine whether aircraft operations were harming local air quality. Researchers found that NO2 levels at all monitoring sites remained well below federal safety standards, and that regional conditions and nearby freeways — not aircraft — were the primary drivers of local pollution. The study concluded that airport operations had only a small, difficult-to-isolate effect on community NO2 levels, estimated at less than 7 parts per billion above background levels.