Scientists have discovered an unexpected source of air pollution caused by planes, and it has nothing to do with their exhaust.
A new study, published in the journal Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, examined the presence of Tire Wear Particles at the Milan Linate Airport in Italy.
Tire wear particles, or TWPs, are non-exhaust pollutants that shed from tires as they move across pavement.
Researchers found that the airport was a significant local source of hazardous organic compounds, specifically benzothiazole (BTH) components, which can be released from TWPs.
They discovered seve