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1. Background and purpose of the study Aircraft emit nanoparticles (<50 nm Note 1 in diameter) into the atmosphere, from the ground to the upper troposphere. Studies in Europe, the U.S., and Japan have reported high concentrations of particles in and around airports Ref 1, and there is worldwide concern regarding the effects on human health. The atmospheric heating effects by contrails generated from aircraft exhaust particles are also known, and research is being conducted to assess their potential impacts on climate. Particle number emissions from turbofan jet engines, which...