PM 2.5 Emissions from Diesel Combustion

PM 2.5: The Silent Threat to Health

PM 2.5, or Particulate Matter 2.5, refers to tiny airborne particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers — about 25 times smaller than the width of a human hair. Because of their extremely small size, they can bypass the body’s natural filtration system and penetrate deep into the lungs. Although invisible to the naked eye, PM 2.5 is a major cause of serious health problems.

The PM 2.5 issue is a widespread environmental challenge and is considered a national problem in many countries worldwide, significantly impacting public health and daily life. Raising awareness of the dangers of PM 2.5, following protective measures, and implementing solutions are essential to reducing health risks and creating a healthier environment. Addressing this issue requires the collaboration of all sectors — government, private industry, and the public — to minimize pollution, which is the primary contributor to this problem.

What Causes PM 2.5?

The primary causes of PM 2.5 pollution include:

• Incomplete combustion – such as emissions from cars and trucks (both gasoline and diesel engines), industrial pollution, waste burning, and forest fires.
• Natural processes – including volcanic eruptions and dust storms.
• Human activities – such as construction, agriculture, and daily lifestyle practices.

Health Impacts of PM 2.5

PM 2.5 has significant adverse effects on human health due to its extremely small particle size, which allows it to remain suspended in the air and easily enter the body through breathing or skin contact. This exposure can affect the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and other organs.

• Respiratory system impacts – May cause coughing, sore throat, breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, and potentially lead to chronic lung diseases.
• Cardiovascular system impacts – Increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.
• Other organ impacts – Can cause red or irritated eyes, dizziness from effects on the nervous system, allergic reactions from immune system disruption, skin irritation, and with long-term accumulation in the lungs, an increased risk of lung cancer.

Prevention and Mitigation of PM 2.5 Pollution

Individual level:

• Wear protective masks capable of filtering PM 2.5 (e.g., N95 masks).
• Avoid outdoor activities on high-pollution days.
• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent dust infiltration.
• Use air purifiers to reduce indoor PM 2.5 concentration.

Community level:

• Cooperate in reducing emissions, such as minimizing private car use and switching to public transportation.
• Reduce activities that generate air pollution, such as construction, waste burning, and crop residue burning.
• Support and comply with government policies promoting pollution reduction, such as using clean energy and adopting Euro 5 or Euro 6 standard vehicles.

National level:

• Enforce regulations and laws controlling emissions from industrial plants and vehicles.
• Promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
• Implement air quality monitoring and public warning systems to inform citizens and help them take protective measures.

PM 2.5 Emissions from Diesel Engines: A Major Issue to Address

Diesel engines are widely used in both commercial and industrial applications, commonly found in almost every type of vehicle, such as cars, trucks, buses, excavators, loaders, and agricultural machinery. They are also used as power sources for various types of equipment, including diesel generators and large-scale air compressors.

The combustion process in diesel engines is one of the major contributors to PM 2.5 pollution in Thailand. Incomplete combustion of diesel fuel produces black smoke, toxic exhaust gases, and fine particles invisible to the naked eye — known as PM 2.5 — which are released into the atmosphere, negatively impacting both the environment and human health. Several factors contribute to incomplete diesel combustion, including the more complex combustion process compared to gasoline engines, the high sulfur content in diesel fuel, and poorly maintained or aging engines, all of which reduce combustion efficiency.

AdBlue – Reducing Emissions from Diesel Engines

Modern diesel vehicles compliant with Euro 5 or Euro 6 standards are equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, an advanced system designed to treat exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere. This system uses AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid, DEF), which is injected into the SCR unit where it reacts with harmful exhaust gases, converting nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.

As a result, AdBlue helps improve combustion efficiency, significantly reduces pollutant emissions and black smoke, mitigates the harmful impact of PM 2.5 on health, and supports a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future.

BLUETEG® AdBlue – Premium Quality, Certified to Global Standards

BLUETEG® AdBlue is a high-purity urea solution specifically formulated for diesel vehicles. Manufactured in compliance with ISO 22241 standards at certified facilities, it guarantees both product quality and environmental responsibility. With BLUETEG®, you can be confident in performance, reliability, and your contribution to a cleaner environment.

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