Abstract

Prompted by public concern, this study investigated the influence of emissions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on air quality at the airport and in the surrounding areas. Emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were first estimated using current air traffic data and emission factors. Expected concentrations were calculated using a dispersion model. Concentrations were also measured at various airport terrain locations, as a result of which emission estimates for SO2 and PAHs had to be revised downwards. The results of these measurements and model calculations indicate that Schiphol Airport's relative contribution to regional concentration levels is less than 10% for the pollutants considered. The contribution from highway traffic in the Schiphol area is of a similar order of magnitude. The resulting regional concentration levels are higher than national average values, but do not exceed those of urban areas. Additional investigation of some aerosol samples using the Ames test revealed no increased mutagenicity. The results of this air pollution study coincide with those of a parallel public health survey in the Schiphol region which found cancer mortality similar to that expected in urban areas.