Top Highlights
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Dust from Brake Pads May Be More Harmful: Recent research indicates that brake dust, a significant component of non-exhaust emissions, is more toxic to lung cells than diesel exhaust dust, contributing to respiratory diseases.
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Lack of Regulation: Unlike exhaust emissions, brake dust is currently unregulated, despite evidence showing its potential health hazards and the need for regulatory action to address these non-exhaust emissions.
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Copper Content as a Key Factor: High copper levels in dust from non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pads have been identified as a major contributor to their toxic effects, suggesting that reformulating brake pads could mitigate health risks.
- Electric Vehicles Still Contribute to Dust: While electric vehicles eliminate exhaust emissions, they may generate more non-exhaust dust due to their heavier weight, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to manage all types of vehicle emissions.
Study Finds Brake Dust More Toxic Than Diesel Fumes
A recent study reveals that brake dust may pose greater health risks than diesel exhaust. With around seven million premature deaths linked to air pollution annually, understanding the sources of harmful emissions is crucial.
Typically, diesel exhaust receives significant attention for its toxicity. However, researchers at the University of Southampton found that non-exhaust emissions, particularly dust from brake pads, have emerged as a leading cause of air pollution in urban areas. This type of pollution surpasses traditional exhaust emissions in many parts of Europe.
To investigate, researchers grew lung-like cells in a lab and exposed them to both brake dust and diesel exhaust. They discovered that brake dust caused significant harm to lung cells, leading to diseases such as asthma and cancer. Interestingly, removing copper from the brake dust effectively reduced its toxic effects.
Despite these findings, current UK vehicle regulations mainly focus on exhaust emissions. The study highlights an urgent need for authorities to include regulations on brake dust. Reformulating brake pads presents one potential solution to mitigate health risks associated with this pollution.
Most brake pads contain no asbestos, which was banned in 1999 due to its health risks. However, the research indicated that dust from non-asbestos organic (NAO) pads turned out to be the most toxic among various pad types tested, exceeding even that of diesel exhaust.
Notably, nearly half of the copper in our air originates from brake and tire wear. Multiple studies show that high copper levels in air pollution can impair lung function and increase mortality rates. The study’s AI analysis pinpointed copper as a key factor in the harmful properties of brake dust.
Switching to electric vehicles (EVs) offers an alternative for reducing exhaust-related emissions, but it does not eliminate the problem of brake dust. In fact, research suggests that heavier EVs produce more brake dust than their petrol counterparts. EVs still rely on friction brakes, generating dust regardless of their zero-emission label.
Upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards, set to take effect in November 2026, may place limitations on brake dust emissions. These standards could encourage the development of safer brake materials and innovative dust-trapping technologies, while addressing driving behaviors that exacerbate pollution.
Additionally, some U.S. states have enacted laws to limit the copper content in brake pads, initially to protect aquatic ecosystems from runoff. As discussions around air quality continue, it becomes clear that attention to non-exhaust emissions is vital.
With non-exhaust emissions constituting approximately 60% of vehicle-related pollution in the UK, recognizing their impact on public health is essential. As the transition to electric vehicles progresses, both science and regulation must evolve to combat these pervasive pollutants effectively.
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