Residents living within a five-mile radius of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport have filed a class action lawsuit against the airport operator and two airlines over jet
pollution they claim is causing illness and property damage. The lawsuit, filed in Washington state court, alleges that pollution, including benzene and lead from jets taking off and landing, has led to an increase in cancer and heart disease rates and contaminated homes.
The plaintiffs have asked for an order that would require the Port of Seattle, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Airlines to create a fund for medical monitoring to help screen for diseases. They also want the defendants to pay for property cleanup, which could cost over $1 billion, according to their attorney.
The lawsuit claims that as many as 300,000 people live within a five-mile radius of the airport, including 60,000 children. The majority of those residents are of Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, or Pacific Islander heritage, despite those groups only comprising one-third of the overall county’s population.
The Seattle-Tacoma airport is located south of the city of Seattle and is the primary commercial air hub for the region. A representative for the Port of Seattle has stated that the airport and its tenants comply with strict federal, state, and local requirements that address environmental issues such as air quality and noise. The representative also said that they voluntarily exceed those requirements.
Representatives for the airlines named in the lawsuit did not respond to requests for comment at the time of writing.
The lawsuit highlights the issue of air pollution caused by aviation, which has become a growing concern in recent years. The emissions from jet fuel contain a range of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, which can have serious health implications for those exposed to them.
Research has shown that people living near airports are at higher risk of respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as cardiovascular disease. The pollutants emitted by aircraft can also cause damage to crops and other vegetation, as well as contribute to climate change.
In response to these concerns, efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact of aviation. For example, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set targets to reduce aviation emissions, while governments and airlines are investing in new technologies, such as electric and hybrid aircraft.
However, progress has been slow, and many communities continue to be affected by the pollution caused by aviation. The lawsuit filed by residents near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport highlights the urgent need for action to address the impact of aviation on the environment and public health.
In conclusion, the residents living near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport have taken legal action against the airport operator and two airlines over the alleged impact of jet pollution on their health and property. The lawsuit highlights the issue of air pollution caused by aviation, which has become a growing concern in recent years. Efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact of aviation, but progress has been slow, and urgent action is needed to address the impact of aviation on the environment and public health. Photo by Minnaert, Wikimedia commons.