Devon Cancilla of Western Washington University has examined the nature of de-icing fluid and its impact on the environment and discovered that these additives are from a group of highly toxic chemicals known as tolyltriazoles. Investigations have revealed the presence of these chemicals in groundwater around airports and that they are extremely harmful to aquatic life. It was very apparent to the researchers that toxicity peaked in winter months, but residual quantities of the toxins persisted into the summer. Regulations currently concerning de-icer fluids need revision because they only consider the glycol levels. Some airports, such as Milwaukee, attempt to prevent excess fluid escaping into surrounding environs, but it is inevitable that de-icer will drain into ecosystems as it drips from aircraft.
Water pollution comes in many forms, with only the major sources getting the attention.
Cancilla's work is a reminder that supposedly minor forms of pollution must also be identified and prevented. With many of the country's airports juxtaposed with sensitive low-lying wetlands and the volume of air traffic forever on the rise, it is crucial to address pollution generated at airports. Old Tires Tire dumps have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, sites of huge fires that spew tons of pollution into the air, and tiresome sights for the eyes. Various uses for old tires have been found, but with some 200 million old tires produced annually in the United States, new uses are welcome. Researchers at the University of Illinois are on the right track with an application that puts old tires to work and helps clean the air.