Abstract No:
1709
Abstract Type:
Student Poster
Authors:
A Hannah1, E Wells2, J Park2
Institutions:
1Purdue University, Lafayette, IN, 2Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Presenter:
Ashley Hannah
Purdue University
Faculty Advisor(s):
Ellen Wells
Purdue University
Jae Hong Park, Ph.D., C.I.H.
Purdue University
Description:
Aircrafts that use piston engines continue to rely on leaded aviation gasoline. Emissions from these aircrafts release particulate lead and other combustion byproducts into the surrounding air environment. Evaluation of particulate pollution near airports is important for industrial hygiene practice because airport personnel may experience repeated exposure during routine aircraft operations and fueling activities. Characterization of airborne contaminants near runways supports occupational exposure assessment and workplace health protection. This study investigates airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5; ≤ 2.5 µm) and lead concentrations near a general aviation airport to assess potential occupational and environmental exposure related to aviation gasoline emissions.
Situation/Problem:
The continued use of leaded aviation gasoline in piston-engine aircraft remains the largest source of airborne lead emissions in the United States. Lead is a potent neurotoxin, and chronic exposure can affect neurological development, cardiovascular health, and renal function. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead at 0.15 μg/m3, measured as a rolling-3-month average. PM2.5 are microscopic pollutants that penetrate the deep lung and enter the bloodstream after inhalation, causing serious respiratory and cardiovascular health risks. Monitoring PM and lead near airports is critical to evaluate compliance with regulatory standards and to better understand potential risks to nearby communities.
Methods:
Field air sampling was conducted near a general aviation airport in Indiana. Four Deployable Particulate Samplers were positioned adjacent to the runway to capture PM2.5 associated with aircraft activity. Four rounds of 24-hour air sampling were conducted with samplers operating at a flow rate of 10 L/min to find the ambient metal concentrations at each location (n = 20 total samples). Gravimetric analysis was performed to determine the PM2.5 mass collected on filters, and PM2.5 concentrations were calculated using mass gain and total sampled air volume. Filters were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence to quantify lead concentrations present in the collected PM2.5.
Results / Conclusions:
Results: Gravimetric analysis of collected filters shows a mean PM2.5 concentration of 13.8 µg/m3 (with a standard deviation:15.5 µg/m3). Values ranged from below the detection limit to 49.0 µg/m3. The mean is slightly below the NAAQS annual PM2.5 standard of 9 µg/m3, though some samples exceeded this level. These findings indicate substantial variability in PM2.5 levels across sampling periods near aircraft activity, likely influenced by operational conditions and aircraft movement. Analysis of lead content is ongoing.
Conclusions: These results provide industrial hygienists and occupational health professionals with baseline data that support evaluation of potential exposure to PM2.5 and airborne lead near general aviation airports. The findings are relevant for airport personnel such as ground crew, aircraft maintenance workers, and fuel service staff who work near active aircraft operations. Understanding PM2.5 and lead levels also support protective strategies for nearby communities, including air quality management and public health interventions. The data can inform evidence-based decisions on transitioning to unleaded aviation fuels, which could reduce occupational and environmental lead exposure and improve worker and community health.
Core Competencies:
Exposure Assessment
Secondary Core Competencies:
Community Exposure
Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes
Choose at least one (1), and up to five, (5) keywords from the following list. These selections will optimize your presentation's search results for attendees.
Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring
Asbestos, lead, and dust
Environmental protection and monitoring
Exposure Assessment
Labs – Health & Safety, Testing
Based on the information that will be presented during your proposed session, please indicate the targeted audience practice level: (select one)
Practitioner: Practitioner is a job title given to persons in various occupational fields who are trained to assist professionals but are not themselves licensed or certified at a professional level by a certification body recognized by the National Accreditation Recognition (NAR) Committee of IOHA. The IH/OH practitioner performs tasks requiring significant knowledge and skill in the IH/OH field, such as conducting worker exposure monitoring and, in some cases, may even function independently of a professional IH/OH but may not be involved in the breadth of IH/OH practice nor have the level of responsibility of a professional IH/OH certified by examination.
The IH/OH practitioner requires a certain level of education that can be obtained from an accredited university or equivalent. Additional training in specific skill sets that provide additional career paths to the IH/OH practitioner can also be obtained. IH/OH practitioners may also serve as team leaders or project managers.
Was this session organized by an AIHA Technical Committee, Special Interest Group, Working Group, Advisory Group or other AIHA project Team?
No
Are worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis presented?
No
How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?
This study contributes to industrial hygiene and environmental health by demonstrating practical methods to monitor airborne particulate matter neat general aviation operations. The findings provide preliminary exposure data and support ongoing efforts to evaluate airborne lead emissions associated with aviation fuel use and their potential impact on airport personnel and surrounding communities.
Have you presented this information before?
No
I have read and agree to these guidelines.
Yes