Takes Flight in Airport Communities . Overall, approximately 60 more people died each year due to aircraft noise. Research reported at the El Toro Airport Info Site . Airports are among the worst urban polluters . Consider just toxic chemicals.
Airports use ethylene glycol as a de-icer.
Ingestion of ethylene glycol impairs the nervous system, and causes cardiopulmonary toxicity and severely acidic blood. Kidney failure, major neurological disruption, and death can follow. Repeated inhalation of even small amounts of ethylene glycol causes throat irritation and headaches. Larger amounts cause pronounced respiratory irritation. Maintenance facilities at airports apply other chemicals including trichloroethylene, toluene, methylene chloride, chloroform and glycol ethers, which can have serious human health implications.