Non-exhaust Particulate Emissions from Road Transport
An Ignored Environmental Policy Challenge
Non-exhaust emissions of particulate matter constitute a little-known but rising share
of emissions from road traffic and have significant negative impacts on public health.
This report synthesizes the current state of knowledge about the nature, causes, and
consequences of non-exhaust particulate emissions. It also projects how particulate
matter emissions from non-exhaust sources may evolve in future years and reflects
on policy instrument mixes that can address this largely ignored environmental issue.
Airborne particulate matter produced from the wearing down of brakes, tyres, and road surfaces, as well as the resuspension of road dust constitute a little-known but rising share of pollution from road traffic. These non-exhaust emissions can have significant negative impacts on public health and are expected to comprise the majority of all particulate matter from road traffic as early as 2035.
Projections from the above report show that electric vehicle uptake in future years will not reduce non-exhaust emissions and may even increase them.
On 7 December, our team of experts discussed the nature, causes, and consequences of non-exhaust emissions and how policy makers can address this emerging policy issue.