Road traffic is one of the most important sources of particle air pollution, with the main source being the combustion process. The majority of the particles emitted to the atmosphere from vehicle exhaust, especially in urban areas, are due to combustion in diesel engines. However, there are a number of non-exhaust processes which have received relatively little attention and which may contribute significantly to atmospheric particle concentrations. Exhaust particles from diesel engines are subject to regulatory control, whereas non-exhaust emissions are not regulated for any type of road vehicle. As exhaust particle emissions per vehicle decrease with time, the relative contribution from the non-exhaust sources increases. The main non-exhaust particles sources relating to road traffic are considered to be:
1) Tyre wear
2) Brake wear
3) Clutch Wear
4) Road surface wear
5) Corrosion of traffic related components
5) Resuspension of road dust
Chapter B770 of the EMEP/CORINAIR Emission Inventory Guidebook aims at providing a methodology for calculating emissions of automobile tyre and brake wear. Clutch wear, road related wear and resuspension of dust are not covered. Therefore, this site aims to collate and disseminate up-to-date information relating to these two non-exhaust particle sources and their contribution to atmospheric particle concentrations. Additionally, information on corrosion of traffic related components is provided. The site is designed as a forum for the exchange of information between experts in the area, but contributions from non-experts and end-users of emission data are also welcome. In principle, the site facilitates a review process, the final product of which will be a chapter in the EEA/EMEP Emissions Inventory Guidebook which will describe how to evaluate non-exhaust particle emissions. You are encouraged to contact any of the site developers or use the Feedback Form to supply information and comments. A timetable for the development of the chapter is also included.
Further information on the Guidebook can be obtained at: http://www.aeat.co.uk/netcen/airqual/TFEI/unece.htm.