| January 21 2001 |
BRITAIN |
Airport
cancer risk is claimed |
|
THE
HEALTH of residents living near Britain's big airports could be threatened
by a dramatic increase in air travel, writes Jonathan
Ungoed-Thomas.
A report from Transport 2000, the environmental lobby group, will this
week warn that toxic emissions from aircraft may heighten the risk of
people who live nearby dying prematurely. The group's report highlights
research that shows increased rates of cancer around airports.
"The aviation industry is not just causing serious environmental
damage, but may be harming the health of people who live and work near
airports," said Stephen Joseph, of Transport 2000. "The government must
consider new measures to curb the expected growth in aviation."
Aircraft emissions include benzene, a known carcinogen, and
formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen. The Transport 2000 report examines
research by consultants at Chicago's O'Hare international airport, which
concludes that cancer risks were five times higher than the regional
average for those living nearer the airport.
In a separate study, data from a government health census in Seattle
comparing mortality rates for those living near its airport with those of
the city overall, found that infant mortality near the airport was 50%
greater, heart disease 57% greater and cancer deaths 37% greater.
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