German airports are using bees as “biodetectives,” testing the honey regularly for toxins. Biomonitoring uses living organisms to test environmental health. Many experts say aircraft are not the only, or even main, source of pollution at airports. Cars, taxis, buses and ground activities as well as local industry are often major polluters. Epidemiological studies have shown there are health risks from elevated levels of ultrafine particles emitted by cars and trucks.

"We know next to nothing about the health effects of aircraft emissions of these particles," Dr. Paulson said. Paulson, a professor of atmoshperic sciences, was a lead researcher on another study, published late last year in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. 

To read the full article by Tanya Mohn click here.
 

Published: Tuesday, June 29, 2010

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