Aircraft create several types of air pollution. These occur both at the airport during fueling, takeoff and landing and while the aircraft are in flight. These are:
Greenhouse gases
Aircraft burn hydrocarbon fuel. The principle emissions from this are carbon dioxide and water. There is also some nitrogen oxide. The SAS airlines have developed a nice spreadsheet of airplanes vs. GHG emissions for travellers who want to reduce their global warming footprint.
Particulate emissions
Aircraft fuels contain some sulfur compounds. These are emistted as particulate. These particulates act as nuclei for cloud formation whichmay impact the ratio of light reaching the Earth from the sun. This may be seen as a "good thing" as it might recuce global warming, but putting all your potential impacts in a pot and stirring them is not good science
Noise
The familiar roar of aircraft can reduce the enjoyment of living under an approach route to a busy airports. Som sites have designated quiet hours or alternatesapproach routes for use at night.
Hydrocarbon emissions
During fueling and reving up and taxiing (when engines exhaust composition changes) there can be an increase in hydrocarbon emissions. Hydrocarbons and NOx, both components of air traffic, can contribute to photochemical smog.
During emergencies, aircraft often dump fuel into the air to reduce fire hazards. While this is necessary for passenger safety it stil contributed to hydrocarbon levels
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