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Appeal to the Federal Ministry for the Environment for protection at Frankfurt Airport
The Municipal Working Group Future Rhine-Main (KAGZRM) calls on the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection to strengthen the protection of the population in the vicinity of Frankfurt Airport and to advocate for a significant reduction in the sulfur content of kerosene.
According to the working group, the sulfur contained in aviation fuel is a major factor in the formation of ultrafine particles in the vicinity of major commercial airports. During combustion, sulfur dioxide is produced, which can react in the exhaust plume to form sulfuric acid. These processes promote the formation of particularly small particles, which demonstrably contribute to air pollution.
From the KAGZRM's point of view, monitoring is not sufficient
Despite the health risks posed by ultrafine particles being known for years, there are still no legally binding limits for sulfur and aromatic content in aviation fuel. The German Association for Air Pollution Control (KAGZRM) points to the European regulation ReFuelEU Aviation, which has mandated monitoring of these substances since 2025. The association is now calling for transparency regarding the collected data and concrete regulatory steps to introduce legally binding limits.
Further delay is no longer acceptable for the affected population. The state has a duty to effectively protect life and health. Corresponding obligations also arise from European and human rights regulations.
Health risks from ultrafine particles
Ultrafine particles are considered particularly hazardous to health because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and cross the blood-air barrier. They are suspected of triggering inflammatory responses and increasing the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
While strict legal limits on sulfur content already apply to gasoline, diesel, and marine diesel, aviation fuel has so far been subject to significantly less stringent regulations. From the perspective of the KAGZRM (German Association for Environmentally Sound and Sustainable Fuels), suitable technical processes for desulfurization exist and are economically viable. The protection of life and health must take precedence over economic considerations.
The spokespeople of KAGZRM reiterate their demand for clear regulatory guidelines and decisive political action for effective health protection in the vicinity of Frankfurt Airport.
(District of Gross-Gerau – PSKGG)
