Vehicle exhaust filters do not remove 'ultrafine' pollution, according to new study

[Still Waters]

Filters fitted to vehicle exhaust systems to remove particulate matter pollution have limited impact on ultrafine particles, new research shows.

Airborne particles from vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution levels. Exhaust filters designed to mitigate this pollution have been a legal requirement in new cars since 2011, and in heavy duty vehicles since 2013.

The filters are able to remove the majority of larger, solid particles, but the new study, published in Environment International, shows they are less effective at removing smaller liquid particles.

While the World Health Organization has not yet set a guideline for safe levels of ultrafine particles, it recognizes that particulate pollution overall is associated with negative impacts on cardiovascular and respiratory health. Air quality guidelines published by WHO in 2021 also outline concerns over ultrafine particles and their ability to be transported around the body.

https://phys.org/news/2023-03-vehicle-exhaust-filters-ultrafine-pollution.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412023001617?

[WVK]

On 3/28/2023 at 9:35 AM, Still Waters said:

Filters fitted to vehicle exhaust systems to remove particulate matter pollution have limited impact on ultrafine particles, new research shows.

Airborne particles from vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution levels. Exhaust filters designed to mitigate this pollution have been a legal requirement in new cars since 2011, and in heavy duty vehicles since 2013.

The filters are able to remove the majority of larger, solid particles, but the new study, published in Environment International, shows they are less effective at removing smaller liquid particles.

While the World Health Organization has not yet set a guideline for safe levels of ultrafine particles, it recognizes that particulate pollution overall is associated with negative impacts on cardiovascular and respiratory health. Air quality guidelines published by WHO in 2021 also outline concerns over ultrafine particles and their ability to be transported around the body.

https://phys.org/news/2023-03-vehicle-exhaust-filters-ultrafine-pollution.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412023001617?

This applies to diesel fueled vehicles. I believe that pricing regulations in Europe favored the use of diesel because it was more efficient. Then this.