Brake dust is harder on your lungs than diesel exhaust, study suggests

A new study implies that tiny particles released from specific types of brake pads that produce brake dust may be more toxic than those located in diesel vehicle exhaust. 

Researchers from the University of Southampton in the U.K. noted in their study, which was published in the journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology, that a higher concentration of copper in certain brake pads may be linked with increased harmful effects on a person’s lungs if the particles are inhaled. 

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The team also found that exposure to pollution produced by vehicles has been connected to an increase in the risk of lung and heart disease. 

How did researchers collect data for the study?

The backstory:

Researchers studied the effects on lung health of particulate matter (PM) in four types of brake pads with different chemical compositions, which are low metallic, semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic, and hybrid-ceramic. 

According to the study, particulate matter is an air pollutant that is a combination of particles and liquid droplets in the air.

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These small particles can move past your upper airways and into the lung air sacs, which allow the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood stream, researchers explained in the study.

What were the results of the study?

The team noted that of the four types of brake pads, non-asbestos organic pads were the strongest regarding their level of toxicity and more toxic to human lung cells than diesel exhaust particles.

The study also found that ceramic pads were the second most toxic. Non-asbestos organic and ceramic pads contain considerable amounts of copper, and later experiments to remove this copper found the particulate matter became less toxic.

Additionally, air pollution, including from cars, has been linked to a range of conditions, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung).

Dig deeper:

Air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor for morbidity and mortality globally, with the World Health Organization estimating that exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution is associated with around 7 million premature deaths annually, per the study. 

Big picture view:

Researchers in the study infer that some laws, which focus on particulate matter exhaust emissions, may be insufficient to completely lessen the health effects of cars in the future.