Pollutant levels threaten Heathrow expansion
March 13, 2006High levels of nitrogen dioxide at UK airports could threaten some airports' expansion plans, figures reported by the BBC suggests.
A new study, conducted by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, showed that Heathrow and Gatwick airports are among the worst offenders, containing NO2 levels up to 75 per cent above EU recommendations.
The news could come as a serious blow to Heathrow Airport, which won't be allowed to build a third runway if its NO2 levels continue to exceed the EU benchmark.
Birmingham and Newcastle airports exceeded the target by the same amount, while nine other UK hubs were over the limit by up to 50 per cent.
Only tiny Sandown airport on the Isle of Wight was below the EU target – which will become mandatory by 2010.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy's professor Grahame Pope said that the impact of airport emissions on public health were a concern, although he blamed the results as much on transport serving the airports as on aircraft.
The pollutant gas could affect suffers of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.
© Adfero Ltd
