Lead in the air!!

     

                 While there continues to be debate on the human effects of climate change, there has been evidence of other toxic substances that play a role on human health.  One of the major concerns airport managers have concerning one of the environmental impacts is the air quality in/around the airport.  On 19 June 2013, the FAA released a memorandum stating "Aviation gasoline (avgas) is a specialized fuel used to power piston engine aircraft.  Due to the high octane requirements of these aircraft engines, a fuel additive, tetraethyllead (TEL), is used as an octane booster in avgas. The presence of TEL in avgas results in engine emissions from these aircraft that include lead."(19 Jun 2013 FAA Memorandum).  The CDC ( Center for Disease Control) says, "It does not matter if a person breathes-in, swallows, or absorbs lead particles, the health effects are the same; however, the body absorbs higher levels of lead when it is breathed-in." (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/health.html).  Lead has been known to cause many health related problems especially in children.  This is why in 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint, but some states banned it even earlier.  Due to this nature the EPA decided to undertake a monitoring study in 2010 at various airports to see the levels of lead and report their findings to the FAA.  Airport operators are encouraged to evaluate the levels of lead and other air toxins and try to change operations to ensure better air quality for the general public around the airports if possible.  The government gives various grants to airports to help influence the air quality of the airport for the better.  As an airport manager not only is it important to consider this environmental operation for the health of the general public, but it can also have a lasting impact financially as well.  

 

 

 

References:

19 Jun 2013 FAA Memorandum
Subject: Interim Guidance on Mitigating Public Risks Associated With Lead Emissions from Avgas

https://www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/air_quality/

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/health.html

https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-exposures-lead