The fight against fine particulate matter pollution: a new health and environmental emergency

Air pollution from fine particulate matter is believed to be responsible for one in five deaths worldwide

Fine particulate matter poses health risks because it penetrates deep into the lungs and enters the bloodstream. Over the long term, it can cause cardiovascular events, chronic respiratory diseases, and lung cancer.

A recent U.S. study reveals that mortality linked to particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers is twice as high as official figures indicate: nearly 100,000 deaths each year in France are attributed to particulate matter emitted by wood-burning heating, industry, and road transportation.

Also cited by environmental authorities, these particles are carried over long distances and pollute water and soil. Their chemical composition is extremely dangerous to the ecosystem and contributes to the climate change that is already underway.

Toward New Regulations on Fine Particulate Matter Emissions

In urban areas, diesel engines are a major source of emissions (approximately 50%). Due to the failure of filters installed on vehicles, particles smaller than 10 microns in diameter may be underestimated by a factor of up to 30.

Regulations to measure gas and exhaust emissions already exist, whereas monitoring fine particulate matter emissions is complicated by their size and by advances in emission control technologies.

Pioneering European countries—the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany—eager to move toward a vehicle fleet that is as clean as possible, intend to require particulate matter measurements as part of periodic vehicle inspections. In the Netherlands, testing centers will be required to be equipped with high-performance, accessible equipment by 2022.

Capelec is collaborating with European authorities to develop a solution

After several years of research and specification development within a European working group, Capelec has developed an innovative particulate matter measurement cell.

Equally suited to the needs of vehicle inspections and the automotive repair industry, it opens up new possibilities thanks to its groundbreaking technology.

As a specialist in emissions testing and measurement, Capelec designs and manufactures solutions aimed at balancing road safety, mobility, and environmental protection.

Learn more about the CAP3070 PN particulate measurement cell