A thorough study among 191 primary school children who live near Schiphol Airport shows that high concentrations of ultra-fine particles from aircraft can effect health seriously. When the wind blows in the ‘wrong’ direction children with respiratory complaints suffer more and use more medication. Complaints include shortness of breath and wheezing. These are the conclusions of new research by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), in collaboration with Utrecht University and the Academic Medical Centre (AMC).
Such an extensive research on ultrafine particles and health has never been carried out around airports and should alarm everybody responsible for the tremendous worldwide growth of aviation.
The study is part of a long-term study of the RIVM. Next years they research the effects of long-term exposure to ultra-fine particles from air traffic.
