Auckland road dust identified as major source of air pollution

New research from the University of Auckland indicates that road dust is a significant and often overlooked contributor to air pollution in Auckland. While cleaner engine standards and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) have improved air quality by reducing exhaust emissions, non-exhaust emissions remain a persistent issue.

These emissions are generated by tyre and brake wear, road surface erosion, and vehicles kicking up dust. The study, which analyzed data from 2006 to 2019, found that road dust was more strongly linked to PM10 levels (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less) than vehicle exhausts.

The research notes that because some EVs and SUVs are heavier than conventional cars, they may actually increase wear on tyres and roads. Heavy vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes were also identified as having an outsized impact on this type of pollution.