Owais Crawford
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a harmful gas emitted by aircraft and ground vehicles that has raised concerns among communities surrounding airports. While aircraft emissions are a significant contributor to NO2 levels near airports, ground vehicles, such as cars, buses, and trucks, also play a role. Studies have been conducted to understand the impact of these emissions on neighbourhoods near airports, and the results suggest that nitrogen dioxide is only one component of the overall pollution caused by these sources. Additionally, refrigerated liquid nitrogen is permitted on aircraft only under specific packaging and regulatory guidelines.
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What You'll Learn
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions from aircraft and ground support equipment
- Nitrous Acid (HONO) emissions from aircraft exhaust
- Health effects of nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants on communities near airports
- Hazardous materials carried by aircraft and their handling procedures
- Nitrogen-containing hazardous materials prohibited in carry-on or checked baggage
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions from aircraft and ground support equipment
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the two principal nitrogen oxides associated with combustion sources. It is a strong oxidant with a pungent odour and is corrosive and poorly soluble in water. It is formed by various combinations of oxygen and nitrogen at high temperatures during the combustion process. The higher the combustion temperature, the more nitric oxide is generated.
NO2 emissions from aircraft and ground support equipment are a growing concern for communities surrounding airports. Aircraft engines emit nitrogen oxides, particularly during taxiing and takeoff, and at cruising altitudes. Ground support equipment, such as vehicles and units providing power to aircraft, also emit NO2. Other sources include airport traffic, maintenance work, heating facilities, refuelling operations, and kitchens.
The AERONOX project investigated the emissions of nitrogen oxides from aircraft engines and global air traffic at cruising altitudes. It found that aviation contributes a small proportion (about 3%) of total global NOx from anthropogenic sources. However, it contributes significantly to NOx concentrations in the upper troposphere, particularly north of 30°N.
Studies have monitored NO2 concentrations in neighbourhoods adjacent to commercial airports, such as T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, RI. These studies have shown the impact of airport activity and local traffic on NO2 concentrations. The results suggest that targeted sampling may be adequate to capture dominant concentration patterns near airports.
While there is no direct mention of nitrogen being prohibited in airports, there is a focus on understanding and reducing NO2 emissions from aircraft and ground support equipment due to their impact on air quality and potential health effects.
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Nitrous Acid (HONO) emissions from aircraft exhaust
Nitrous acid (HONO) is a nitrogen oxide that is emitted from aircraft exhaust. Aircraft emissions are a source of concern for communities surrounding airports due to their contribution to ambient air pollution. Nitrous acid is formed from nitrogen oxide (NO) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) inside the turbine of aircraft engines.
The Alternative Aviation Fuel Experiment (AAFEX) conducted in 2009 quantified the emissions of nitrous acid (HONO) from a DC-8 aircraft equipped with CFM56-2C1 engines. The results showed that the fuel-based emission index (EI) for HONO increased by approximately six times from idle to takeoff conditions. At high engine power, HONO emissions were lower when using Fischer-Tropsch fuels compared to traditional jet fuel (JP-8).
HONO accounts for 0.5% to 7% of NOy emissions from aircraft exhaust, depending on thrust and engine type. Measurements of HONO in aircraft exhaust plumes at cruise altitudes have been made using an ITCIMS (Ion Trap Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer). These measurements found that the molar ratios of HONO/NO and HONO/NOy decreased systematically with increasing NOx.
Model predictions suggest that the most significant sources of nitrous acid in the atmosphere are the heterogeneous reaction at night and the surface photolysis reaction during the day, which together account for about 86% of predicted nitrous acid. Vehicular emissions, particularly from diesel trucks, are also a crucial primary source of atmospheric HONO.
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Health effects of nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants on communities near airports
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a common pollutant in neighbourhoods near airports, along with carbon monoxide (CO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Aircraft and ground support equipment emit nitrogen oxides, which are often elevated near airports. A study near T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, RI, found high levels of NO2 in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
NO2 has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory issues, otitis media, eczema, ear/nose/throat infections, and food allergen sensitization in children. In adults, elevated NO2 exposure has been associated with increased blood coagulability. Animal studies have shown that subchronic and chronic exposure to low levels of NO2 can cause alterations to lung metabolism, structure, and function, as well as inflammation and increased susceptibility to pulmonary infections.
Additionally, airport personnel and residents living close to airports are at risk of exposure to jet engine emissions, which contain volatile organic compounds and particulate matter, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals. Diesel exhaust, which has similar components to jet engine emissions, is classified as carcinogenic.
Other pollutants found near airports include ultrafine particulate matter (UFP), black carbon, and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants are elevated downwind of airports and are influenced by aircraft operations.
While most studies on airport air quality have focused on gaseous criteria pollutants, there is a need for more research on particle size distributions, specific airport activities, proximity to airports, and the relationships between different pollutants. Long-term studies are also necessary to capture variations in ambient concentrations across years and seasons and to better understand the health effects of airport emissions.
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Hazardous materials carried by aircraft and their handling procedures
Hazardous materials are prohibited from being carried on aircraft, except under certain conditions. The transportation of hazardous materials by aircraft is not completely prohibited, but it does carry risks and should only be considered when absolutely necessary. Hazardous materials include gasoline, small-arms ammunition, fireworks, and certain types of batteries. When carried, these materials must be properly packaged and secured, and the crew must have the necessary training to handle them safely.
For example, gasoline may be transported by air in approved quantities and containers. Small-arms ammunition for personal use is permitted if it is securely packed in fiber, wood, or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed for carrying ammunition. Fireworks, on the other hand, are strictly prohibited due to their classification as explosives and pyrotechnic devices.
Other hazardous materials, such as non-radioactive medicinal and toilet articles (including aerosols), are allowed in limited quantities. These items must be carried in checked or carry-on baggage, with the total amount not exceeding 2 kg (70 ounces) in mass or 2 L (68 fluid ounces) in volume. Self-defense sprays are also allowed but must not exceed 118 mL (4 fluid ounces) and must have a mechanism to prevent accidental discharge.
In addition, there are specific regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials by aircraft for weather control, environmental protection, and other specialized purposes. These operations must follow strict guidelines, including restrictions on flying over densely populated areas or congested airways. The operator must also maintain a manual with detailed procedures and guidelines for handling hazardous materials, which must be approved by the FAA Principal Operations Inspector.
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Nitrogen-containing hazardous materials prohibited in carry-on or checked baggage
Nitrogen is a common element found in many everyday items, and most nitrogen compounds are permitted at airports. However, there are some nitrogen-containing hazardous materials that are prohibited in carry-on or checked baggage to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Insulated packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen is one such example. While it is allowed in checked or carry-on baggage, it must comply with specific regulations. These include adhering to the ICAO Technical Instructions, Packing Instruction 202, the packaging specifications outlined in the relevant chapter, and Special Provision A152. These instructions ensure that the nitrogen is securely packaged and transported in a way that minimises risk.
Small cartridges containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gases are another regulated item. These cartridges must be securely fitted into or packed with devices, with a limit of four small cartridges per device. Additionally, the water capacity of each cartridge must not exceed 50 mL, which is equivalent to a 28-gram cartridge. These restrictions are in place to manage the risks associated with these items and to prevent any potential hazards during air travel.
It is important for passengers to be aware of the regulations surrounding nitrogen-containing substances and other hazardous materials when packing for air travel. Properly declaring and packing these items is crucial to ensuring a smooth travel experience and maintaining the safety of all individuals involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it must be in insulated packaging and in accordance with the ICAO Technical Instructions, Packing Instruction 202, the packaging specifications in Part 6, Chapter 5, and Special Provision A152.
Yes, the same restrictions that apply to carry-on baggage also apply to checked baggage.
Yes, nitrogen gas can be carried on an aircraft in the form of small cartridges fitted into or securely packed with devices with no more than four small cartridges. The water capacity of each cartridge must not exceed 50 mL.
