A survey of air pollution in the vicinity of Heathrow airpot (London)

An investigation of atmospheric quality in the vicinity of Heathrow airport (London) has been undertaken. Ambient concentrations of total hydrocarbons, methane, carbon monoxide, non-methane hydrocarbons and airbone particulate lead were monitored. Eight sites were visited in each of the years the survey was undertaken, approximately half of the sites were close to the airport perimenter and the remainder in the surrounding urban residential areas. This was achieved by the use of a mobile laboratory containing the necessary continuous monitors. Although the objective of the study was to assess the impact of the airport upon air quality, no distinction could be made between the relative contributions to air pollution of the airport sources and those arising from motor vehicle and industrial activity in the area.