Residents near Schiphol who have been exposed to ultrafine particles from aircraft for a longer period of time may have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The emission of ultrafine particles can also be harmful to the health of unborn children.
This is the conclusion of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in a study into the long-term health effects of ultrafine particles in thirty municipalities around Schiphol. RIVM did not want to publish the study until Tuesday, but already confirmed the results on Monday after publications in the press.
The study into the long-term effects is the second and final part of RIVM research into ultrafine particles and aviation. In 2019, the institute already published about the short-term consequences. “People who live near Schiphol are regularly exposed to increased concentrations of ultrafine particles” [sic]”, the RIVM stated in 2019. Children, for example, may suffer more from respiratory complaints, such as shortness of breath and wheezing. Children also use more medicines if the emissions in their environment are higher.
Future of Schiphol
The study is relevant to the discussion about the future of Schiphol. The study confirms the image that the airport has a negative effect on an ‘attractive and healthy living environment’. For example, the government always formulates one of the four public interests that it weighs in the debate about Schiphol. The others are safety, connectedness with the world and sustainability.
Successive cabinets have always allowed Schiphol to grow, but that policy now no longer seems tenable due to nitrogen emissions, noise pollution and, in a broader context, the climate objectives. Minister Mark Harbers (Infrastructure and Water Management, VVD) would therefore like to limit the number of flights at Schiphol by approximately 10 percent. A decision is expected one of these weeks. The structural contraction is independent of the temporary restrictions due to the holiday crowds.
In the Aviation note The previous government published in 2020 already stated that a higher concentration of ultrafine particles is measured around airports. “These particles, invisible to the eye, can be harmful to health,” the note says.
Medical data
For the report in 2019, RIVM counted the number of ultrafine dust particles in, among other things, schoolyards in places around Schiphol. The new longer-term research is more statistical in nature; it combines long-term flight data from Schiphol with medical data from, among others, Statistics Netherlands and the Health Monitor. For example, it cannot be ruled out that ultrafine particles from other sources – road transport, industry, shipping and mobile machinery (excavators) – influence the conclusions, says RIVM researcher Nicole Janssen. RIVM used the anonymized data of approximately two million inhabitants in thirty municipalities around Schiphol.
Ultrafine particles is the number of very small particles in the air (less than 0.1 micrometer). It is released during combustion processes, including in cars and airplanes. Unlike soot and fine dust, ultrafine particles have hardly any weight. It is therefore difficult to measure. Emissions from air traffic have only been looked at for about ten years. The first studies took place at the Los Angeles airport. Aircraft taking off in particular – which accelerate at full throttle and consume a lot of kerosene – cause a lot of ultrafine particle emissions.
Ultrafine particles are so small that they can enter the bloodstream directly through the alveoli. According to environmental organizations, ultrafine particles are the most harmful form of air pollution.
Nicole Janssen of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) found indicative evidence that years of exposure to ultrafine particles increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and health damage to pregnant women and fetuses. The closer you live to the airport, the more ultrafine particles you ingest every day. She found insufficient evidence for the development of other health effects, for example on the lungs and nerves. However, the 2019 study already showed: if you suffer from asthma or other lung complaints, it will certainly not get better if you live close to Schiphol.
In October 2021, the Health Council also asked attention to the harmful effects of ultrafine particles† The Council concluded in its advice Risks of ultrafine particles in the open air that long-term exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. There is also an increased risk of lung diseases.
waiting is no optionthe advisory body said. In order to reduce exposure to ultrafine particles, it is necessary to strongly reduce emissions from combustion engines, the Health Council stated. “In aviation, emissions can be reduced by, for example, fewer flight movements and the use of kerosene with a lower sulfur content.”
The combustion of low-sulphur kerosene releases less ultrafine particles than with ordinary kerosene. However, the sulphur-free variant costs more. There is talk in The Hague and at Schiphol about offering low-sulphur fuel, but that has not happened yet. if on Schiphol only more expensive low-sulphur kerosene would be available for departing aircraft, this could harm the airport’s competitive position. Planes then divert to other airports for bunkering, Schiphol fears.
Also read: Schiphol staff concerned about ultrafine particles and corona risk
The research published by RIVM does not concern employees at Schiphol. At the end of 2021, the FNV . union asked attention to the apron employees at the airport – which, among other things, load and unload suitcases, refuel aircraft and bring catering on board. During their work they become exposed to very high concentrations of harmful substances, including ultrafine particles. The Labor Inspectorate is investigating whether Schiphol is breaking the rules by exposing personnel to excessive concentrations of harmful substances.