A new study has warned that dust from a vital car component is more toxic than fumes created by a diesel car, and the problem is more significant with electric models.
As the Government rethinks its ZEV (zero-emission vehicle) Mandate in a bid to encourage more drivers to swap their petrol or diesel car for an electric model, a new study from the University of Southampton has found that almost all vehicles are creating toxic pollution due to their brake pads.
Dr James Parkin, lead author in the study, noted the lesser-known form of pollution highlights that no type of car is entirely pollution-free.
He explained: “People generally associate pollution from cars as being from exhaust pipes and think of electric vehicles as having zero emissions. However, EVs still produce particulate matter due to friction and wear of the road, tyres, and brakes.
“We wanted to understand how different types of chemical composition of pads affect the toxicity of the particles emitted and what this might mean for the health of individuals.”
According to the university’s study, certain types of brake pads commonly fitted to passenger cars use a particularly high concentration of copper in order to provide shorter stopping distances.
Whilst the material helps to keep road users safe in emergencies, the copper particles emitted when braking have a harmful effect on the lungs when inhaled.
Testing four of the most popular types of brake pads, the researchers found that non-asbestos organic pads, which use the most copper, were generated the most harmful particles, damaging the lungs more than emissions produced by a diesel engine.
Professor Matthew Loxham, project supervisor, noted that brake pad pollution is likely to be even more harmful on electric models, which are generally heavier and need more effort to stop.
He added: “This research has important implications for health and future policy because as we switch from diesel and petrol-powered cars to electric vehicles, non-exhaust particle emissions will remain.
“Non-exhaust emissions could increase over time due to electric vehicles being heavier than combustion engine vehicles and creating greater friction.”
In order to cut the amount of brake pad pollution, electric vehicle owners have been urged to use the regenerative braking function found in most popular models.
Typically found on high-end models, this feature will engage a generator when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal, slowing the vehicle down to a steady stop without the brake pads.
In addition to cutting pollution, drivers will also be able to cut down on their running costs, with brake pads lasting substantially longer and the generator helping to slightly charge the battery for superior range.
