Disposal Issues for Diesel Particulate Matter Ash

 

 

Now that all new 2008 diesel engines, both on-road and off-road must meet strict EPA emission reductions, the use of diesel particulate filters will become more frequent. What I mean by this is, as the new diesel engines are put into use more particulate filters will be on the road. 

 

Who will be maintaining these filters? DPF's need yearly maintenance to clean burned ash from the honeycombed filter. There are two ways of removing the ash.

• Bake the filter for 10- 12 hrs
• Controlled process of compressed air to blow ash out of the filter.

Let's assume that the ash is just as toxic as the particulate matter coming from diesel exhausts. The EPA regulates diesel particulate matter exhaust emissions due to its toxicity. Long term exposure to particulate matter from diesel exhaust has been determined to cause cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Short term exposures can lead to headache, dizziness, nausea, coughing and difficulty breathing. Why does the EPA not require that distributors or business who maintain these filters to properly dispose of the hazardous ash? If you're going to regulate something be consistent.