Automotive particulate emissions

Particulate matter (PM) in the air continues to be the focus of increased attention due to concerns over potential health effects. Under the EU Air Quality Framework Directive an air quality standard has been defined with respect to PM10 with a review planned in 2003.

Legislation to control the overall mass of automotive particulate emissions has been progressively tightened over the years. While there is evidence that adverse health effects are associated with current ambient PM concentrations, it is as yet uncertain which feature of the particulate matter, chemical or physical, has the most relevance for health. Further work is needed to understand health effects.

In the automotive area, extensive studies have been carried out on the number-based size distribution of particulate emissions. This article provides an update on recent activities and CONCAWE’s current understanding on automotive particulate emissions.