LETTER: Great concern over emissions

So far the objections to additional flight paths have been based on the noise produced by aircraft using Gatwick Airport. This has been discussed at great length, however there are far worse consequences for anyone living under a flight path.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jul 2014, 07:00 BST
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Jet engines emit a cocktail of potentially toxic chemicals not normally found in the atmosphere, this now includes Organophosphates (OP) originally used in DDT, a banned insecticide.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency lists OP as very highly acutely toxic to bees, wildlife, and humans. OP are added to the lubricant used in jet engines and emitted in the exhaust. OP can also find their way into the cabin air conditioning systems of aircraft causing problems for crew and passengers. This is of great concern to the airline industry and has been the subject of much research over a number of years, there is even a House of Commons committee dedicated to the subject.

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When taking off and landing an aircraft is using much more fuel than when cruising, also it is nearer ground level.

The people, wildlife, bees and vegetation living under the flight path are most affected.

One visible example is the die-off of trees under the flight paths around Gatwick Airport.

RICHARD DALE

Friday Street, Warnham

Related topics:Gatwick AirportWarnhamHouse of Commons