Airport Tire Pollution Exposed: Study Reveals Hidden Chemical Hazards

In a groundbreaking study published in Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, researchers have for the first time identified and quantified tire-related chemical pollutants specifically linked to airport operations at Milano Linate Airport. The international team, led by Dr. Giovanna Mazzi and senior author Prof. Andrea Gambaro, analyzed outdoor PM10 particulate matter and discovered alarmingly high concentrations of Benzothiazoles (BTHs)—chemical additives from tire wear particles—that significantly exceeded levels found in heavily trafficked Italian cities like Milan and Collegno. By cross-referencing their chemical analysis with wind direction data, the researchers successfully discriminated between pollution sources, revealing that four specific benzothiazoles, two of which showed strong correlation, originated predominantly from airport activities rather than surrounding roads and parking areas.

The study highlights a critical but often overlooked environmental concern: non-exhaust emissions from tire wear particles (TWPs) generated during high-friction events like aircraft landings and takeoffs. While the aviation sector's exhaust emissions receive considerable attention, this research reveals that rubber particles carrying chemical additives can easily enter the atmosphere, contributing to particulate matter pollution. The researchers note that although TWPs come from all tire-equipped vehicles, airports may pose higher risks due to the massive quantities produced during aircraft operations. The ecotoxicological assessment conducted as part of the study did show a low potential risk of occupational exposure to BTHs in outdoor air at Linate Airport, but the findings represent a crucial step toward identifying specific chemical markers for tracing airport non-exhaust emissions.

This research, funded through the Next Generation EU "GRINS" project and supported by Italy's Department of Excellence program, addresses what Prof. Gambaro describes as a "huge knowledge gap" in understanding airport pollution beyond traditional exhaust emissions. The study's methodology and findings provide environmental scientists and regulators with new tools to monitor and potentially mitigate this form of pollution. As airports worldwide continue to expand operations, understanding these non-exhaust emissions becomes increasingly important for developing comprehensive environmental protection strategies and ensuring sustainable aviation practices that consider all aspects of airport-generated pollution.