Health Risks from Combined Air Pollution and Noise Around Schiphol Not Yet Fully Understood

Residents near Schiphol are exposed to various air pollutants, such as particulate matter, ultrafine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and environmental noise from different sources. They wonder what the total health risks are from this combination of exposures. The RIVM has previously studied the effects of ultrafine particles on residents health.  

Possible health impact not yet known  

Research shows that higher exposure to ultrafine particles (particles smaller than 0.1 micrometers) from air traffic occurs in locations where the risk of health effects is already higher due to other air pollutants and noise. However, it is not yet possible to indicate how large the risk of all combined exposures to health might be. This is mainly because the health risks of ultrafine particles from air traffic are not yet sufficiently known. This is still under-researched worldwide. 

Research into disease occurrence related to total exposure among residents not yet meaningful 

The RIVM also explored whether it is useful to investigate if certain diseases occur more frequently among residents near Schiphol in relation to total exposure. Such research does not provide answers in the short term, it appears.  

Proposals to fill knowledge gaps about ultrafine particles  

The RIVM advises conducting research at various other international airports into the health effects of ultrafine particles from air traffic. This is necessary to make more scientifically reliable statements about the influence of ultrafine particles on health. In the Netherlands, research into the reasons for hospital admissions among residents can provide more insight into which respiratory complaints and heart conditions are caused by ultrafine particles from air traffic.