Study suggests majority of particulate matter PM10 emissions come sources such as brake and road surface wear

Vehicle exhausts are responsible for only a third of traffic pollution, according to research led by the University of Hertfordshire.

The study, published in the journal Atmospheric Environment, says nearly half of the air pollution from road traffic is down to non-exhaust sources such as brake-wear, road surface-wear, and particles launched into the air from the road by passing vehicles.

As a result, Professor Ranjeet Sokhi of the University of Hertfordshire, who led the study, is calling for greater control of non-exhaust pollution.

He said: “In terms of mass, non-exhaust sources can be more important than exhaust fumes, but legislative control has focussed on exhaust emissions.

“As exhaust regulations become stricter, non-exhaust sources become proportionately more important. Continuing to control exhaust emissions alone may not be enough to achieve legal air-quality standards.”

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