Impacts of particles released from vehicles on environment and health

The mechanical systems of vehicles generate tribological waste particles due to wear and the incomplete com-bustion of fuel. This paper presents an analysis of those particles as tribowaste and their characteristics and impacts on the environment and human health. The various types of tribowaste include tire debris, brake wear particles, road debris, and soot with sizes ranging from 2 nm to 10 & mu;m. The tire-road and brake debris comprise of traces of heavy metals and organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and carbon. Soot is generated by incomplete combustion of fuel, which contaminates engine systems. Upon release, wind and rain transport these tribowaste particles to aquatic and soil ecosystems. Tribowaste consisting of elemental Zn, Fe, Cu, and other metals is the most common cause of physiological damage to aquatic species like fish and algae. Similarly, the introduction of those metals to soil causes defects at the molecular level related to germination and growth in plants. Tribowaste particles react with inflammatory proteins, such as cytokines, in the lungs, causing respiratory distress. They also exhibit cytotoxic effects on other systems, such as the cardiovascular and neurological systems. This article is intended to serve as a resource for researchers who are involved in designing and building sustainable vehicular systems.