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ParticulatesFlanders

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Flanders. 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.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Flanders

78. 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 in road traffic?

Particulates are tiny airborne particles produced or disturbed by road traffic. Sources include vehicle exhaust, brakes, tyres and road-surface wear.

🔗 vmm.vlaanderen.be • Flemish Environment Agency, traffic emissions

What is the difference between PM10 and PM2.5?

PM10 and PM2.5 are particle fractions classified by aerodynamic diameter: below approximately 10 and 2.5 micrometres respectively. PM2.5 is the finer fraction, contained within PM10.

🔗 irceline.be • IRCEL-CELINE, particulate matter definitions

Do diesel cars produce particulate emissions?

Yes. Diesel combustion can produce soot and other fine particles. Modern diesel vehicles use emission-control equipment such as a diesel particulate filter to greatly reduce these exhaust emissions.

🔗 sciensano.be • Sciensano — particulate fractions, primary indexed definition; direct page unavailable; traffic sources separately supported by VMM

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — particulate filters and diesel particle measurement

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