Diesel Particulate Control Around the World

Worldwide concerns with global climate change and reducing oil consumption have increased interest in expanding the global light duty diesel penetration, adding to the already dominant role of diesels in commercial vehicles. The major impediment has been concern over the adverse health effects associated with diesel exhaust. This paper will review the status of these concerns, summarizing recent studies conducted by the World Health Organization, the US EPA and the California Air Resources Board.

In response to these concerns, various countries have adopted controls on both diesel vehicles and engines and their fuels. The current status of these efforts as well as the state of control technology will be summarized.