ParticulatesSpain

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

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


55. 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 Spain 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Tunnel 9 Toll road 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Dead end 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Road narrowing 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Slippery road 23 Rockfall 24 Curve 25 Roadworks 26 Height limit 27 Selective barriers 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Driving licence 32 Location marker 33 Countdown markers 34 Traffic mirror 35 International border 36 Pedestrian underpass 37 Cycling route 38 Parking 39 No parking 40 Disabled parking 41 Reversing 42 Provisional licence 43 City limit 44 Licence plate 45 Charging station 46 Dangers 47 Pedestrian 48 Cyclist 49 Bus 50 Police 51 Ambulance 52 European emission standard 53 Pothole 54 Path 55 Particulates 56 Air pollution 57 Rush hour 58 Road code 59 Street gutter 60 Road debris 61 Cargo bike 62 Forestry vehicle 63 Construction vehicle 64 Semi-trailer truck 65 Trolleybus 66 Speed pedelec 67 Delivery vehicle 68 Idling 69 Tow truck 70 Four-wheel drive 71 No vehicles 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 ...