Let's make micro-particulates bite the dust.
The subject has literally raised a lot of dust: The discussion is focusing on how concentrations of micro dust, particularly in cities, can be effectively reduced and the health risk countered.
Micro dust consists of ultra small particulates with a diameter of less than 10 µm (PM10). Apart from other sources, these particulates are released from unfiltered diesel engines in cars, trucks and buses/coaches.
Since micro-particulates pose a health risk, the European Union has issued a directive with limit values for micro-dust concentrations in cities. This directive came into force on January 1st, 2005. Particularly in conurbations the maximum permissible value of 40 micrograms dust per cubic metre air per year or of 35 instances per year in which the value is higher than 50 micrograms is exeeded. Action is required.
As a solution for the reduction of pollutant emissions and an effective contribution to the reduction of fine dust MAN offers the MAN PM-KAT® particulate-separating system which was awarded the renowned BDI environmental prize for industry for 2005/2006.
Sources of micro dust:
- Private households including home heating
- Imported secondary dust
- Industry
- Construction industry
- Traffic
- Biological material (e.g. pollen)
Most emissions are to be attributed to influences from outside the cities, i.e. they do not occur at the measuring points themselves. Approximately 10% is caused by exhaust systems in diesel vehicles.
Status: 07/10/2006 incl. subsequent pages
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Example: Measurement of PM10 concentration at a high-traffic main street in downtown Berlin  |
