News
UK's airport air quality of "serious concern"
13 March 2006
Levels of the pollutant gas nitrogen dioxide are over the recommended limit at many of the UK's airports, according to a new study.
The report from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) revealed that Heathrow, Gatwick, Newcastle and Birmingham were the four worst airports at exceeding limits.
Only Sandown Airport on the Isle of Wight scored a result lower than the EU guideline for safe emissions.
Professor Grahame Pope of the CSP said that the results were of "serious concern" to physiotherapists.
It is thought that asthma, bronchitis and emphysema sufferers could be particularly affected by the poor air quality.
"With cheap flights making air travel more affordable, several airports want to expand capacity," Mr Pope said.
"We would urge the government to consider ways of balancing passenger convenience with improving public health when looking at these proposals."
A proposed third runway for Heathrow Airport will depend upon the airport's ability to meet the European Union's 40 micrograms nitrogen dioxide limit, which will become mandatory from 2010.
© Adfero Ltd
The report from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) revealed that Heathrow, Gatwick, Newcastle and Birmingham were the four worst airports at exceeding limits.
Only Sandown Airport on the Isle of Wight scored a result lower than the EU guideline for safe emissions.
Professor Grahame Pope of the CSP said that the results were of "serious concern" to physiotherapists.
It is thought that asthma, bronchitis and emphysema sufferers could be particularly affected by the poor air quality.
"With cheap flights making air travel more affordable, several airports want to expand capacity," Mr Pope said.
"We would urge the government to consider ways of balancing passenger convenience with improving public health when looking at these proposals."
A proposed third runway for Heathrow Airport will depend upon the airport's ability to meet the European Union's 40 micrograms nitrogen dioxide limit, which will become mandatory from 2010.
© Adfero Ltd
