Laboratory van to monitor Helsinki’s traffic emissions in spring

A laboratory van called ”Sniffer” is to start monitoring the streets of Helsinki in the course of the spring.
      Sniffer has been designed by Helsinki Polytechnic Stadia. While looking like an ordinary van, it is chock-full of technical equipment. The aim of the lab van is to reduce the fine particle emissions caused by traffic in Helsinki.
      According to the research conducted for the four-year FINE technology programme, fine particle emissions present a higher health risk than has previously been estimated.
      Fine particles and gases cause premature death to hundreds of Finnish citizens every year. The worst producers of fine particles are traffic and the small-scale burning of wood, for example in a sauna or a fireplace.
      Sniffer is to start monitoring the cleaning of streets in downtown Helsinki in the spring. The routes of the van are expected to produce a range of online information on the effects of cleaning efforts on fine particle emissions.
     
Sniffer is also designed to ascertain how car tyres contribute to the spreading of fine particles.
      When comparing various types of tyres, it was found out that friction tyres produce the highest amount of fine particles. Studded tyres wear down the asphalt surface of roads more rapidly, whereas friction tyres kick the fine particles up into the air.
      On the other hand, summer tyres produce the smallest amount of fine particles.
      According to the research conducted by the National Public Health Institute, fine particles cause infection reactions in the lungs and heart, produce dysrythmia and contribute to many heart-related deaths.
      Researchers have estimated that the costs to the country from premature deaths caused by fine particles amount to a seven-figure sum.
      The four-year FINE technology programme, which started in 2002, is focusing on the purity of ambient air, and on health.
      The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES), the Academy of Finland, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, and the Ministry of the Environment were the founders of the FINE technology programme. The costs of the 50 projects involved come to around EUR 26 million.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Helsinki considers restrictions on car traffic because of increased air pollutants (27.1.2006)

Links:
  FINE Particles - Technology, Environment and Health 2002-2005
  Helsinki Polytechnic Stadia
  National Public Health Institute
  The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES)
  Academy of Finland