English Abstract Prompted by public concern, this study investigated the
influence of emissions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on air quality at the
airport and in the surrounding areas. Emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were first estimated
using current air traffic data and emission factors. Expected
concentrations were calculated using a dispersion model. Concentrations
were also measured at various airport terrain locations, as a result of
which emission estimates for SO2 and PAHs had to be revised downwards. The
results of these measurements and model calculations indicate that Schiphol
Airport's relative contribution to regional concentration levels is less
than 10% for the pollutants considered. The contribution from highway
traffic in the Schiphol area is of a similar order of magnitude. The
resulting regional concentration levels are higher than national average
values, but do not exceed those of urban areas. Additional investigation of
some aerosol samples using the Ames test revealed no increased mutagenicity.
The results of this air pollution study coincide with those of a parallel
public health survey in the Schiphol region which found cancer mortality
similar to that expected in urban areas.
