The Los Angeles Times reported this week  that a “new UCLA study shows that people who live and work near Santa Monica Airport are exposed to unusually high levels of air pollution — a significant health concern that has been largely associated with major commercial airports such as LAX.”

“…Research has shown that elevated levels are associated with increased deaths due to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.”

The airport is located in the midst of a densely populated residential area that  includes Sunset Park in Santa Monica to the west and north, Venice to the  south and Mar Vista to the east. Residents in all three communities have been protesting the high levels of  air pollution in the vicinity of the airport for years  — with little effect.