Lead and Local Airports

Aviation gasoline (used primarily in piston engine aircraft) is a source of lead.  AvGas emissions end up on the ground.

Here's the News

June 8, 2024. FAA official met with Cleveland  Mayor Justin Bibb to discuss Burke Lakefront Airport closure "Bibb’s forthcoming announcement about the future of the airport comes as his administration is eyeing a major redevelopment of the downtown lakefront that includes a possible renovation of Browns Stadium. City and county leaders are also pursuing federal and state money to build a land bridge over the Shoreway, from the Mall next to City Hall to North Coast Harbor."  

Here's the research

August 31, 2026. Leaded aviation gas drives up lead levels near regional airports, raising health concerns, new study finds "Emissions from aircraft that use leaded aviation gasoline are a significant source of environmental pollution in neighborhoods near regional airports, a new study by researchers at Oregon State University and Portland State University has found." 

Jan. 11, 2023, US News and World Report, Kids Living Near Airports Face Lead Poisoning Dangers

Here's the Policy

October 18, 2023. EPA Determines that Lead Emissions from Aircraft Engines Cause or Contribute to Air Pollution