Article in CBC News, 27-SEP-2024
By Andre Mayer
A thousand times thinner than a strand of hair, ultrafine particles (UFPs) are emitted by vehicles and industrial activity – and according to a recent study led by researchers at McGill University in Montreal, contribute to more than 1,000 premature deaths a year in that city and Toronto.
A study this year by Brussels-based advocacy group Transport and Environment determined thousands of cases of high blood pressure, diabetes and dementia across Europe could be linked to UFPs emitted by airplanes.
Recently completed University of Toronto Study – The Bathurst Quay Neighbourhood Air Quality Study established that Billy Bishop Airport is a large source of UFPs.
Based on readings at Hanlan's Point on Toronto Island, winds from the south generally carry about 33 per cent more UFPs averaged over a 24-hour period. But the increase at Bathurst Quay can be more than 85 per cent in that same time frame.
The airport, which is just south of the neighbourhood, sees roughly 50 to 70 departures a day. During periods of aircraft operation, the study found momentary UFP spikes exceeding 100,000 particles per cubic centimetre. For comparison, the World Health Organization describes 20,000 particles/cm3 for a one-hour average as "high."
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