Technical Paper
Size Distribution of Particulate Matter from In-Use Heavy Duty Vehicles
2001-03-05
2001-01-0005
The increased use of diesel engines for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle applications and the associated uncertainties regarding exhaust emissions from these engines on human health has led to focused attention on risk assessments of diesel engine exhaust. Diesel particulate matter, in particular, has been associated with adverse health effects. Some recent epidemiological studies suggest a weak correlation between elevated particulate matter concentration in ambient air and cardiopulmonary health effects. The correlation is even stronger for smaller combustion generated particles (PM2.5). Mortality is mostly due to respiratory and cardiac problems. As associations between particulate matter and respiratory disorders are evidenced more clearly, the need to fully understand and quantify vehicle particle emissions becomes crucial.