2024-03-22 09:01:13
Scientists know little regarding the particles produced by car braking, although there is evidence they may be more harmful to health than tailpipe exhaust. Recent experiments by scientists at the University of California have confirmed that most brake particles are charged, which can help develop prevention strategies. The results were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
When a car brakes, the friction between the brake disc and brake pads, as well as the friction between the tires and the road, will produce tiny particles that are scattered into the air. Although this emission is low compared to car engine exhaust, the impact on health is still worthy of concern. Studies have shown that brake particles may contain heavy metals (such as copper and lead), asbestos fibers and toxic organic chemicals, which may be harmful to health when inhaled into the human body.
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In particular, urban residents and people working in densely trafficked areas are at higher risk from prolonged exposure. Some preliminary evidence suggests they may be linked to respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and other health problems. In-depth research on this type of air particles will help to take more effective measures in the future to reduce their potential impact on public health.
Electric vehicles are not truly zero-emission vehicles
During the experiments of this study, team scientists used large lathes to rotate brake rotors and calipers in the laboratory, and measured the charging of particles emitted into the air. It was found that 80% of the particles were charged. “We found that up to 80 percent of the fine particles emitted during braking are electrically charged, and many of them have very strong electrical charges,” said Adam Thomas, a doctoral student of Jim Smith, a professor of chemistry at the University of California. “I was very surprised by the results,” Professor Smith said. “I’m also surprised that despite the ubiquity of cars, this hasn’t really been studied.”
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The study is part of a University of California, Irvine (UCI) research project on the public health impacts of non-vehicle emissions in traffic-congested areas, including many in Southern California. They also found that the material composition of the brake pads also affects the proportion of air particles generated by braking that are charged. The charged nature of particles will be helpful in designing removal strategies. Because charged particles are easier to remove from the air, electrostatic precipitators have the potential to effectively remove them.
This new study reveals a new perspective: electric vehicles are not truly zero-emission vehicles. As electric vehicles become more and more common in the future, the impact of air particles derived from braking on air quality will become increasingly important. “Municipalities need to consider strategies to reduce brake use and tailpipe emissions,” Professor Smith explained.
In addition, the public health risks caused by braking particles also involve environmental justice issues. Because traffic in low-income areas is often more congested, people with lower socioeconomic classes are more susceptible to the harm of braking emissions, but this issue is often ignored. The team at the University of California is working with local social organizations in California to disseminate their research findings to the public to arouse social attention to environmental justice.
(Source of first picture:Pixabay）
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