Abstract
BackgroundEmissions from road traffic are under constant discussion since they pose a major threat to human health despite the increasingly strict emission targets and regulations. Although the new passenger car regulations have been very effective in reducing the particulate matter (PM) emissions, the aged car fleet in some EU countries remains a substantial source of PM emissions. Moreover, toxicity of PM emissions from multiple new types of bio-based fuels remain uncertain and different driving conditions such as the sub-zero running temperature has been shown to affect the emissions. Overall, the current literature and experimental knowledge on the toxicology of these PM emissions and conditions is scarce.MethodsIn the present study, we show that exhaust gas PM from newly regulated passenger cars fueled by different fuels at sub-zero temperatures, induce toxicological responses in vitro. We used exhaust gas volume-based PM doses to give us better insight on the real-life exposure and included one older diesel car to estimate the effect of the new emissions regulations.ResultsIn cars compliant with the new regulations, gasoline (E10) displayed the highest PM concentrations and toxicological responses, while the higher ethanol blend (E85) resulted in slightly lower exhaust gas PM concentrations and notably lower toxicological responses in comparison. Engines powered by modern diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) yielded the lowest PM concentrations and toxicological responses.ConclusionsThe present study shows that toxicity of the exhaust gas PM varies depending on the fuels used. Additionally, concentration and toxicity of PM from an older diesel car were vastly higher, compared to contemporary vehicles, indicating the beneficial effects of the new emissions regulations.
Highlights
During the past decade, European Union has aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions from road traffic, which in the first phase has led to substantial increase in share of more energy efficient diesel-powered vehicles in the fleet [4, 18, 74]
The present study indicates that exhaust particulate matter (PM) from passenger cars using different fuels and technologies induces different toxicological responses in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed with an exhaust gas volume-based method
The cold running temperature has most likely affected the emissions with increase in PM and PM-bound polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentrations, as such effects have been shown in previous studies
Summary
European Union has aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions from road traffic, which in the first phase has led to substantial increase in share of more energy efficient diesel-powered vehicles in the fleet [4, 18, 74]. As diesel-powered vehicles are major emitters of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), this has led to increased emissions of NO2 in EU area [19]. Another intrinsic feature of a diesel engine has been its higher particulate matter (PM) mass emissions, compared to gasoline powered engines. These components of the vehicle emissions have crucial importance to the air quality, and with addition of CO2, have been targeted in multiple emission controls decisions in Europe. The current literature and experimental knowledge on the toxicology of these PM emissions and conditions is scarce
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