Particle emissions from rail traffic: A literature review

Particle emissions are a drawback of rail transport. This work is a comprehensive presentation of recent research into particle emissions from rail vehicles. Both exhaust and non-exhaust particle emissions are considered when examining particle characteristics such as PM10, and PM2.5 concentration levels, size, morphology, composition, as well as adverse health effects, current legislation, and available and proposed solutions for reducing such emissions. High concentration levels in enclosed rail traffic environments are reported and some toxic effects of the particles. We find that only a few limited studies have examined the adverse health effects of non-exhaust particle emissions and that no relevant legislation exists. Thus further research in this area is warranted. Nomenclature / Abbreviations ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ATSDR: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry BC: Black carbon CEN: The European Committee for Standardization DFG: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DPM: Diesel particulate matter EC: European Commission EPA: Environmental Protection Agency EU: European Union EUROMOT: The European Association of Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer MECA: Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association MMT: Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl MMD: Mass median diameter MSHA: Mine Safety and Health Administration NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health PAHs: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PM: Particulate matter (Subscripts 10 and 2.5 denote particles less than 10 and 2.5 μm respectively) UFP: Ultrafine particles (Particles less than 100 nm) UIC: International Union of Railways UNIFE: The Association of the European Rail Industry WHO: World Health Organization