Air Transportation and Human Health
Encyclopedia of Environmental Health, (2011)Abstract
Recognition of the adverse impact of air transport on the environment
and on human health is a prerequisite to the mitigation of such impacts.
Aircraft- and airport-associated vehicular traffic produces noise
and releases combustion products to the atmosphere including substantial
quantities of air toxics. The noise adversely impacts health and
produces annoyance, particularly in residential communities near
large airports. Waste production and runoff at airports contribute
to contamination of soil and water. Deterioration of cabin air quality
via infectious agent or contaminant release from either passengers
or mechanical systems, though infrequent, can affect crew and passengers.