Brake pad dust can be more toxic than exhaust emissions, study says

[hunter]

Microscopic particles emitted from brake pads can be more toxic than those emitted in diesel vehicle exhaust, a study has found.

This research shows that even with a move to electric vehicles, pollution from cars may not be able to be eradicated.

The researchers found that a higher concentration of copper in some commonly used brake pads was associated with increased harmful effects on sensitive cells from people’s lungs, as a result of particles being breathed in.

Exposure to pollution generated by cars, vans and lorries has been previously been linked to an increased risk of lung and heart disease. While past attention has mainly concentrated on exhaust emissions, particles are also released into the air from tyre, road and brake pad wear.

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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/14/brake-pad-dust-toxic-exhaust-emissions

We need to turn our cities into attractive affordable places where car ownership is unnecessary.

The most heinous social and environmental impacts of our automobile culture has little to do with how these automobiles are powered.

[Mosby]

1. I'd like to get rid of leaf blowers first

We need to prioritize, and the Guardian, being a British publication, doesn't really understand the issue very well as it relates to the US. If they want to publish stories like this, they need to do a better job understanding the American urban landscape.

[hunter]

2. Ah. The U.S.A. is special.

We can't build pleasant walkable cities with good public transportation.

[Finishline42]

3. I seldom use my brakes

GET OUT OF MY WAY!!!! j/k

Regenerative braking greatly reduces using brake pads to slow down the car plus it feeds energy back into the battery.

I am also of the belief if you drive to maximize regenerative braking it also makes for safer driving. I find that I am slowing down from a further distance than when I use the brakes.