Pollution de l’airPortugal
Règles de circulation
Portugal
33. Pollution de l’air
La pollution de l’air est la présence dans l’air de gaz, de particules ou d’autres substances à des concentrations susceptibles de nuire à la santé humaine, à l’environnement ou aux écosystèmes. La circulation routière contribue à la pollution de l’air par les émissions d’échappement et par des sources hors échappement telles que l’usure des freins, l’usure des pneus et la poussière routière.
Parmi les principaux polluants liés au trafic figurent les oxydes d’azote, les particules, le monoxyde de carbone et les composés organiques volatils. Certains polluants sont émis directement par les véhicules, tandis que d’autres peuvent se former dans l’atmosphère par des réactions chimiques. Les normes d’émissions, les technologies plus propres et les mesures de gestion du trafic servent à réduire ces émissions.
What is air pollution?
Air pollution is contamination of the air by gases, particles or other substances that can adversely affect human health, the environment or ecosystems.
How does road traffic cause air pollution?
Vehicles produce pollutants through fuel combustion, exhaust systems, brake wear, tyre wear and road-surface interaction. Moving traffic can also resuspend dust already present on the road.
Which air pollutants are associated with road traffic?
Important traffic-related pollutants include nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Their relative importance depends on the vehicle, fuel and driving conditions.
What is nitrogen dioxide?
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an air pollutant associated particularly with combustion processes and road traffic. High concentrations are commonly found near busy roads and densely trafficked urban areas.
What is particulate matter?
Particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air. Road traffic can produce particles from exhaust, brakes, tyres and road surfaces.
Is CO2 the same as ordinary air pollution?
No. Carbon dioxide is primarily regulated as a greenhouse gas because of its contribution to climate change. Local air-quality pollution generally focuses on substances such as nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, ozone and other pollutants that directly affect air quality and health.
Do electric vehicles cause air pollution?
Fully electric vehicles produce no combustion-engine exhaust emissions while driving, but they can still contribute to non-exhaust particulate emissions through tyres, brakes and road wear.
Can air pollution be worse near busy roads?
Yes. Concentrations of traffic-related pollutants can be higher close to heavily trafficked roads because many emissions occur close to ground level and near where people live and travel.
What is a low-emission zone?
A low-emission zone is an area where access by more polluting vehicles is restricted in order to reduce traffic-related air pollution. Access criteria may depend on factors such as fuel type, vehicle category and emission standard.
How can traffic-related air pollution be reduced?
Measures include cleaner vehicles, stricter emission standards, effective emission-control equipment, low-emission zones, public transport, cycling and walking, as well as traffic-management measures that reduce unnecessary congestion and emissions.
