Purpose
The Aviation Emissions Characterization (AEC) Roadmap is an interagency collaboration to coordinate research activities and communicate research findings among stakeholders and other parties with an interest in particulate matter (PM) and hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions from aviation sources.
Recent research into air pollutant health effects has confirmed that small particles, typical of those produced in aircraft engines and other combustion sources, can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and even enter the blood stream, with more significant health impacts than larger particles that are trapped in the nasal passages.
Analysis has shown that, perhaps even more significant, some pollutants are further transformed in the atmosphere to produce secondary particles that result in greater exposure of the general population. Also, airport operators are faced with employee and community concerns about emissions from airports, yet our understanding of emission levels and pollutant characteristics are incomplete.
For these reasons, PM and HAP research is significant and increasing in importance.
Mission Statement
The Aviation Emissions Characterization (AEC) Roadmap is a collaboration of parties from government, industry, academia, and the public interested in aviation emissions characterization research, development, and regulatory activities with a particular focus on PM and HAP emissions. The objective is to gain the necessary understanding of emissions’ formation, composition, and growth and transport mechanisms for assessing aviation's emissions and understanding their impact on human health and the environment. Ultimately, the Roadmap will also guide aviation technology development and, if warranted, other mitigation activities.
Past Meetings
Last updated: Thursday, August 31, 2023