The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aircraft pose a threat to human health, and has called for effective standards to be implemented to tackle such emissions.

In its report, the EPA said that the findings are a preliminary but necessary first step in addressing the issue of aircraft GHG emissions.

With this information, the Obama administration is likely to consider global CO2 emission standards for aircraft being developed by the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

"If you’re a big airline…then complying with all those different regimes is an administrative nightmare."

In partnership with the aviation industry and other stakeholders, ICAO has been working to develop international standards. These regulations are expected to come into effect early next year.

However, the standard could be applicable to new aircraft designs certified from 2020, reported Reuters.

International Air Transport Association senior vice-president Paul Steele said: "If you’re a big airline and you’re flying to 100 countries a day, then complying with all those different regimes is an administrative nightmare."

In 2013, the aviation sector represented 11% of total GHG emissions from the transportation sector.

International Council on clean transportation programme director Dan Rutherford recommended that the ICAO implement the standard to all new aircraft delivered after 2020, to ensure real emissions reductions.

If this standard is accepted, it will cover around 5% of worldwide aircraft fleet by 2030.