Vehicle Brake Dust Could Be More Harmful Than Diesel Exhaust to Your Lungs
It's the copper specifically out of which most break pads are made that is concerning.
by Tibi Puiu February 21, 2025
Reading Time: 5 mins read
Edited and reviewed by Zoe Gordon
Every time you hit the brakes, tiny particles of dust are released into the air. These particles, often invisible to the naked eye, come from the friction between brake pads and rotors. While much attention has been paid to the dangers of diesel exhaust, a new study reveals that brake dust — especially from copper-rich brake pads — may pose an even greater risk to our lungs.
The research shows that brake wear particles can disrupt the delicate balance of cells in the lungs, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even changes in cellular metabolism. The main culprit is the emission of particles of copper, a metal commonly used in brake pads for its ability to conduct heat. The study concluded that brake dust from copper-enriched pads caused more damage to lung cells than diesel exhaust particles.
“We’ve known for a long time that air pollution is bad for our health, but we’re just beginning to understand how different sources of pollution affect us in different ways,” said James G. H. Parkin, the lead author of the study.
The Invisible Threat
Air pollution is a global health crisis, responsible for millions of premature deaths each year. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is especially dangerous because these tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. While much of the attention has been on exhaust from vehicles, non-exhaust sources like brake wear, tire wear, and road dust are coming increasingly into focus.
More:
https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/vehicle-brake-dust-could-be-more-harmful-than-diesel-exhaust-to-your-lungs/
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