AIRCRAFT EMISSIONS: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Authors

  • Raphael John Marfo Director of Port Health in Charge of Tema Port, Consultant to WHO on Public Health Emergency Response at Points of Entry and Member of the International Travel and Health Guidelines Development Group (GDG) for COVID-19, Director of Port Health in Charge of Tema Port, Consultant to WHO on Public Health Emergency Response at Points of Entry and Member of the International Travel and Health Guidelines Development Group (GDG) for COVID-19, School of Public Service and Governance, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, P.O. Box AH 50, Achimota, Accra, Ghana, West Africa, Metropolitan Research and Education Bureau, P. O. Box LA 123, La-Accra, Ghana, West Africa Author
  • Dr Kofi Kwakye Director of Port Health in Charge of Tema Port, Consultant to WHO on Public Health Emergency Response at Points of Entry and Member of the International Travel and Health Guidelines Development Group (GDG) for COVID-19, Director of Port Health in Charge of Tema Port, Consultant to WHO on Public Health Emergency Response at Points of Entry and Member of the International Travel and Health Guidelines Development Group (GDG) for COVID-19, School of Public Service and Governance, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, P.O. Box AH 50, Achimota, Accra, Ghana, West Africa, Metropolitan Research and Education Bureau, P. O. Box LA 123, La-Accra, Ghana, West Africa Author
  • Dr. Stephen T. Odonkor Director of Port Health in Charge of Tema Port, Consultant to WHO on Public Health Emergency Response at Points of Entry and Member of the International Travel and Health Guidelines Development Group (GDG) for COVID-19, Director of Port Health in Charge of Tema Port, Consultant to WHO on Public Health Emergency Response at Points of Entry and Member of the International Travel and Health Guidelines Development Group (GDG) for COVID-19, School of Public Service and Governance, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, P.O. Box AH 50, Achimota, Accra, Ghana, West Africa, Metropolitan Research and Education Bureau, P. O. Box LA 123, La-Accra, Ghana, West Africa Author

Keywords:

Aircraft emissions, public health, air quality, engines

Abstract

Introduction: The aviation industry's rapid expansion raises concerns about the potential impact of aircraft emissions on public health. Contaminants like NOx, PM, VOCs, CO, and SO2 are found in these emissions. This article reviews relevant scientific literature and research to explore the consequences of airplane emissions on public health.

Objective: To determine the implications of aircraft emission on public health.

Methodology: 8 reviewed and published articles from online research journal websites such as science direct, research gate, sci-hub, PubMed and google scholar was used to generate this research paper.

Results: Ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations in residential areas near airports have potential health implications for those living near general aviation airports. Aircraft emissions contribute to ground-level ozone and particulate pollution, as well as climate change. Exposure to nvPM in epithelia caused temporary cytotoxicity and decreased interleukin 6 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 secretion. Ammonium nitrate was the largest contributor to health damages, with premature deaths resulting in approximately $21 billion in annual costs. Jet exhaust particles affect human monocyte-derived dendritic cell maturation.

Conclusion: Integrate scientific research, regulation, and cutting-edge technologies are needed to reduce emissions, stimulate sustainable growth, and improve air quality. Addressing the impact of airplane emissions on public health is a top priority.

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Published

2025-02-03

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Articles