Environmental monitoring in airports

Identifies problems, assess impacts, and implements effective mitigation strategies at airports.

Airports are critical sources of environmental pollution. From gases to particulates and noise pollution, the aviation industry impacts users, workers and adjacent communities.

Aircraft engines emit nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons and particulate matter. They contribute to local pollution and global climate change. Noise, often underestimated, is a serious form of noise pollution.

Health is at risk. The WHO links air pollutants to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and chronic problems. Airport workers (airline employees, ground staff and security personnel) are constantly exposed during their work.

Fine and ultrafine particles are the greatest threat. Those smaller than 5 microns penetrate the pulmonary alveoli. Studies show that prolonged exposure to PM2.5, PM1 and ultrafine particles (UFP) is associated with asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer in non-smokers and cardiovascular problems. Classification according to lung penetration is critical: particles larger than 50 microns are not inhaled; 10-50 microns are retained in the nose/throat; particles smaller than 5 microns reach the alveoli.

Noise pollution comes from take-offs, taxiing, landings and terminal operations, which are characterised by significant sound pressure levels. Continuous exposure causes sleep disturbances, stress, headaches, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders.

Comprehensive control requires: air quality sensors measuring NO2, PM10, PM2.5, CO, and VOCs; real-time acoustic monitoring systems; weather stations (wind, temperature, and humidity affect dispersion).

Envira's solution: Nanoenvi EQ as a portable station measuring atmospheric pollutants and noise simultaneously as a complement to fixed stations with reference instrumentation for integrated monitoring and transmission to administrations.

This comprehensive solution allows for early identification of problems, assessment of impacts, and implementation of effective mitigation strategies, protecting the health of users, workers, and communities.