I recently learn from Sue, a resident of Los Angeles, who is living in the shadow of the Van Nuys Airport (VNY) that the air quality of the area and mental health of the residents have been affected dramatically. She shared with me the growing concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of the airport’s operations, particularly due to the increasing number of private and charter jets.

According to Sue over the past few years, the VNY has essentially transformed into a commercial airport due to the influx of private and charter jets. This brings with it an incessant noise pollution problem, as there’s no curfew and flights come in all day and night. And, they are under the most congested airspace in the world, with five airports in the LA area, all converging over them.

Although the airport has been around since the 1920s the changes, in recent years are drastic. Sue lives in that area since mid 80’s. They are now literally feet away from dozens of jets that emit toxic fumes into their homes, schools, and lungs. It was not like this up until a few years ago.