SOLUTIONS TO AVIATION JET ENGINE EMISSIONS

Jet engine emissions present a critical human health risk. When mixed at low altitudes with breathing air agents in jet engine emissions are known to cause throat cancer, asthma, liver cancer, lung cancer, heart failure, high blood pressure. The microscopic size of the particulate in jet engine emissions is particularly harmful to human health in aerosol form where it can easily lodge in the delicate structures of the lungs thereby causing asthma and lung cancer. Children and elderly and those with immune deficiency are particularly prone to this. Learn more about the risks here.

Due to this studied health risk, solutions are crucial and the response has to be timely. Due to globalization and the increase in aviation as a transportation mode, we are working on solutions to this problem before the risks outweigh the gains. A three fold increase in aviation jet engine emissions could jeopardize aviation growth.

Several important developments are underway by aircraft manufacturers to reduce emissions. These are primarily focused on lightening the load, reducing drag and increasing engine efficiency through system design.

In the past, efficiency was eclipsed by increasing power while maintaining the status quo. Pressure of rising gas prices has prompted the industry to refocus efforts on lowering fuel consumption through design, process and procedure.

Alternative energy sources are the newest and most promising developments in the development of new generation aircraft. Boeing recently flew a fuel cell powered plane. Battery powered bio diesel and hydrogen cell powered aircraft are a few of the innovations being developed by manufactures and institutions like NASA BOEING and MIT.

OurAirspace is supportive of efforts to focus on alternative energy sources for next generation aviation. Tax incentives in Congress, legislation and user fees are promoted as mechanisms to maintain focus on producing these new innovations.

NRDC urged the 15 major U.S. and Canadian airlines and airfreight companies to publicly oppose the use of "dirty fuels" -- jet fuel from tar sands, oil shale, and liquid coal -- and is calling on the airlines to join a campaign seeking increased investment in cleaner fuels throughout the airline industry.

LINKS

INGENUITY

Aviation Industry manufacturers are seeking to find new ways to address jet engine noise and emissions. NASA, GE are pioneering initiatives to solve these problems. These programs need support and incentives to become reality. Call your congressional representatives and tell them you support initiatives which solve the problems.

REFERENCES

  1. University of Texas at Austin, Electrical & Computer Engineering (2008, September 8). Safer Skies For The Flying Public: New Air Traffic Control System Model Will Track Variables Without Human Input. Science Daily. Retrieved September 8, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com°© /releases/2008/09/080903172421.htm

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