ParticulatesAustralia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Australia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

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56. Particulates

Particulates, or particulate matter (PM), are tiny solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air. In road traffic, particulate emissions can come from vehicle exhaust, brake wear, tyre wear and road-surface wear, as well as dust that is disturbed by passing traffic.

Particulate matter is commonly classified by particle size. PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of up to approximately 10 micrometres, while PM2.5 refers to finer particles of up to approximately 2.5 micrometres. Vehicle emission standards, particulate filters and air-quality measures are used to reduce exposure to these pollutants.

Particulates
Smog over Connaught Place at sunset. (Delhi, India)
Wikimedia.org • wili hybrid • CC BY
What are particulates?

Particulates, or particulate matter, are very small solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air.

🔗 epa.gov • US EPA, Particulate Matter Basics

🔗 fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, particulate matter and road-transport sources

🔗 epa.gov • US EPA, AP-42 section 13.2.1.1, paved-road emissions and dust resuspension

What are PM10 and PM2.5?

PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of up to approximately 10 micrometres. PM2.5 refers to finer particles with a diameter of up to approximately 2.5 micrometres.

🔗 epa.gov • US EPA, Particulate Matter Basics

🔗 fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, particulate matter and road-transport sources

🔗 epa.gov • US EPA, AP-42 section 13.2.1.1, paved-road emissions and dust resuspension

Where do traffic particulates come from?

Road traffic can produce particles through engine exhaust, brake wear, tyre wear and road-surface wear. Passing traffic can also resuspend dust already present on the road.

🔗 epa.gov • US EPA, Particulate Matter Basics

🔗 fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, particulate matter and road-transport sources

🔗 epa.gov • US EPA, AP-42 section 13.2.1.1, paved-road emissions and dust resuspension

1 Australia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Advisory speed 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 One-way traffic 12 Slope 13 Bus stop 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Radar speed sign 29 Selective barriers 30 Traffic lights 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Road markings 34 Left-hand traffic 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Emergency telephone 38 No parking 39 No stopping 40 Disabled parking 41 Traffic management 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Oversize load 46 Licence plate 47 Charging station 48 Local traffic 49 Moped 50 Truck 51 Bus 52 Police 53 Ambulance 54 Pothole 55 Path 56 Particulates 57 Air pollution 58 Rush hour 59 Road code 60 Two-way traffic 61 Street gutter 62 Cargo bike 63 Forestry vehicle 64 Construction vehicle 65 Semi-trailer truck 66 Trolleybus 67 Speed pedelec 68 Delivery vehicle 69 Idling 70 Tow truck 71 Four-wheel drive 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...