Air Quality Impacts
9/30/25
Forum on Hanscom Air Quality Study Update
On September 30th, a forum was held in Bedford focused on a study conducted by Dr. Neelakshi Hudda of Tufts University on ultrafine particles (UFP) and lead concentrations near Massport-owned Hanscom Field civil airport. The Bedford Citizen reported that the study “regarding air quality impacts in the four towns that border Hanscom Field found that there is a high concentration of ultrafine particles (UFP) and airborne lead.” UFPs, through their chemical signatures, are directly linked to the fuel used to operate private jets.
To learn more, see:
Bedford Citizen Article: Tufts University Researcher Reports High Air Pollution in Hanscom-Area Towns
Dr. Hudda’s Air Quality STUDY can be found here: “Impacts of Aviation Emissions on Air Quality Near Hanscom Field, Bedford, Massachusetts,” October 2025
The event was co-sponsored by Bedford League of Women Voters, Bedford Board of Health,
Mothers Out Front Bedford. Lara Sullivan of SPJE gave brief remarks about the status of the proposed private jet hangar expansion at Hanscom.
Air Quality Impacts
Hanscom jet emissions threaten air quality in Concord: report Concord Bridge, 7/9/24
Tufts University Professor Neelakshi Hudda said she's found “substantial” concentrations of the pollutants at sites in Concord, Bedford, and others.
Researcher Probes Ultrafine Particles' Ties to Airfield Activity Bedford Citizen, 4/19/24
Researchers have identified concentrations of ultrafine particles in Bedford neighborhoods that may be connected to aircraft operations at Hanscom Field.
Aircraft Emissions Study Hinges on Supplemental Funding [says HFAC] ∙ Bedford Citizen ∙ Mike Rosenberg ∙ 11/28/2023
Hanscom Panel to Pursue Study of Jet Emissions' Impact, Bedford Citizen, 10/19/23
“An expert on the impact of aviation emissions on ground-level air quality told the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission on Tuesday that adverse impact can extend as far as 10 miles from an airport.”