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Brake pads could harm our immune system

Brake Pads - Level 4

Brake pads are a new danger on the roads. Scientists discovered that toxic dust and metal from brake pads could harm our bodies as much as diesel emissions. The fine dust released when a car brakes could inflame the lungs, reduce immunity, and cause serious infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. Scientists estimate that 93 per cent of particulate pollution from traffic comes from tyres, clutches, brake pads, and road dust.

Scientists say that inhaling brake dust could cause "London throat". This causes runny noses, coughs and colds. Metal particles from brakes cover the lungs and stop cells in our immune system from removing bad bacteria. Brake pad dust casts doubt on claims by the motor industry of there being zero-emission cars. A researcher said: "There is no such thing as a zero-emission vehicle." He said the brake dust problem is going to get worse.

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Brake Pads - Level 5

There is a new menace on the roads that could harm our health - brake pads. Scientists have discovered that toxic dust and metal particles from brake pads could have the same harmful impact on our bodies as diesel emissions. Researchers found that fine dust released when a vehicle brakes could cause inflammation of the lungs, reduced immunity, an increased risk of respiratory problems, and serious infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. It is estimated that 93 per cent of particulate pollution from traffic comes from tyres, clutches, brake pads, and road dust.

The scientists say brake dust could be causing what they dubbed as "London throat". Sufferers continually experience runny noses and annoying coughs and colds, which could be caused by inhaling brake dust. Metal particles coat the lungs and prevent cells in our immune system from clearing harmful bacteria. A researcher said dust from brake pads and tyres, etc. casts doubt on motor industry claims of zero-emission cars. He said: "There is no such thing as a zero-emission vehicle." He warned that brake dust and other pollutants are, "likely to become more significant".

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Brake Pads - Level 6

There is a newly-found menace on the roads that could be harming our health - brake pads from road vehicles. Scientists have discovered that toxic dust and metal particles from worn-out brake pads could have the same harmful impact on our bodies as diesel emissions. King's College London found that fine dust released when a vehicle brakes could cause a number of health problems. These include an inflammation of the lungs, reduced immunity, an increased risk of respiratory problems, and serious infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. It is estimated that 93 per cent of particulate pollution from traffic comes from sources such as tyres, clutches and brake wear, and road dust.

The scientists say brake dust could be the cause of a condition they have dubbed "London throat". Sufferers are the city dwellers who continually experience runny noses and irritating coughs and colds. These could be caused by people inhaling the brake dust. Metal particles coat the lungs and prevent cells in our immune system from clearing harmful bacteria. Researcher Dr Ian Mudway said dust from the various sources of friction within vehicles casts doubt on motor industry claims of zero-emission cars. He said: "There is no such thing as a zero-emission vehicle. As regulations to reduce exhaust emissions kick in, the contribution from [sources such as brake dust] are likely to become more significant."

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