The Impact of Aircraft Emissions Upon Air Quality

Aircraft emissions and their impact upon air quality have been studied at four major air carrier airports and two general aviation airports. Predicted concentrations of non-methane hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, due to aircraft emissions alone, have been found to exceed their respective national ambient air quality standards. In the case of nitrogen dioxide, aircraft emissions contribute significantly to excessive concentrations. On the other hand, aircraft contributions to excessive concentrations of particulates and sulfur dioxide are small in areas to which the public has “reasonable access.”