Copenhagen Airport increases monitoring of harmful ultrafine particles

Copenhagen Airport has installed 18 new sensors to monitor ultrafine particles, which are emitted by aircraft engines and considered harmful to health, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

The microscopic particles, invisible to the naked eye, are not yet subject to regulatory limits, but experts agree they pose health risks. The airport says the expanded monitoring will provide better data on how the particles spread under different weather and wind conditions.

“This gives us a stronger data foundation than we’ve had before,” said Maria Skotte, director of sustainability at Copenhagen Airport. “The measurements are essential for understanding how these ultrafine particles move within the airport area.”

Most of the new sensors are placed on the apron, where ground staff prepare aircraft for departure. Miki Pedersen, a baggage handler who has worked there for a decade, said he notices the proximity to jet exhaust daily.

“I don’t feel any effect on my breathing yet, but I can definitely smell and sense that I’m standing close to the fumes every day,” Pedersen said. While he welcomes the increased monitoring, he remains concerned about long-term exposure. “I’m not sure if this makes me feel safer, but I hope the sensors will give us more knowledge to work with.”

In addition to the on-site sensors, five more have been installed in nearby residential areas. The airport plans to publish the measurement data on its website, cph.dk, once the necessary IT systems are in place.