Researchers evaluated the formation of ultrafine particles (UFPs), smaller than 50 nm in diameter, from urban traffic emissions in both ambient air and environmental chambers, finding that photooxidation of organic compounds constitutes a significant source of UFPs and that existing particles inhibit new particle formation, suggesting that control of primary particle emissions or removal of existing particles could exacerbate urban UFP pollution.
Article #19-16366: "Remarkable nucleation and growth of ultrafine particles from vehicular exhaust," by Song Guo et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Renyi Zhang, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX; tel: 979-845-7656; e-mail: renyi-zhang@tamu.edu
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences