THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF BRAKING
Globally, brake dust from vehicles is a significant contributor to airborne particulate matter, releasing approximately 50,000 to 100,000 tons annually.
ECOLOGY
Patented break-through technology that offers better braking torque with zero brake dust emissions, less weight, longer lifetime for lower production price of the brake.
Our LIQUID-COOLED BRAKE is designed to catch harmful brake dust, dramatically cutting down on
non-exhaust air pollution emissions.
In addition to reducing dangerous particulates,
B-BRAKE SYSTEM is fully closed ensuring
zero emissions by brake dust particles spread into the air we breathe.
The aim is to make road vehicles faster, more efficient, more reliable and significantly more environmentally friendly. As the demand for vehicles increases, so does the negative impact on the environment caused by braking dust emissions. Moreover, the situation is confirmed by recent findings from the World Health Organization, which states that one third of deaths from stroke, lung cancer and heart disease are caused by air pollution. Our simple aim is to increase sustainability, improve the performance and safety of motor vehicles.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF BRAKING
Vehicle braking causes air pollution by releasing fine dust particles from brake linings and discs. During braking, friction between the brake pads and the disc causes abrasion of materials such as metal, rubber and other compounds which are released into the air. These particles, known as PM (particulate matter), are very small and can easily enter the lungs, contributing to air pollution and posing a health risk, especially in cities with heavy traffic.
100 000
TONS
Amount of brake dust spread into the air annually.
100
YEARS
That's how long brake dust particles stay in the soil
7 billion
DISC BRAKES
The number of disc brakes that currently populate our roads globally.
20%
TOTAL
POLLUTION
Percentage of brake particles in total air pollution
The Environmental Impact of Vehicle Braking Systems: Sources of Pollution and Measures to Reduce Harmful Emissions
Introduction
Braking systems are an essential component of any vehicle, from cars to trains, ensuring road safety. However, they also contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in densely populated urban areas. This article examines how brake dust and emissions from braking affect the environment and explores ways to reduce these negative impacts. We’ll look at specific data points and indicators of brake dust's environmental harm, as well as an overview of technological advances in cleaner braking systems.
1. Brake Dust as a Major Pollution Source
What is Brake Dust and How is It Produced?
Brake dust is released from the friction between brake pads and discs or drums, where material wear disperses particles into the surrounding environment. This friction occurs whenever a vehicle slows or stops, making dust emissions unavoidable. Brake dust includes fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can easily enter the air and be inhaled, posing health risks as these fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
Proportion of Brake Dust in Total Particulate Emissions
According to the European Environment Agency, brake dust may constitute up to **20–30% of PM10 particles** in urban areas, contributing significantly to air pollution. Globally, around **50,000 to 100,000 tons of brake dust** are released into the atmosphere each year, causing major environmental impact, especially in densely populated and industrial zones.
2. Composition of Brake Dust and Its Environmental Impact
Heavy Metals and Toxic Substances
The composition of semi-metallic brake pads contains at least 65% metal. The remaining 35% is a mixture of graphite and inorganic materials. Brake dust contains not only tiny particles but also heavy metals like copper, iron, zinc, and antimony, which can contaminate soil and water sources. Copper, frequently used in brake pads, is a major source of surface water pollution, leaching into ecosystems and causing toxic reactions in aquatic life.
Brake Dust Composition Typical Concentration
Copper 7–10%
Iron 35%
Zinc 1–2%
Antimony <1%
However, there are many other elements present Al, As, Ba, C, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sn, Ti. These substances, particularly copper and zinc, have a considerable negative impact on biological systems. For instance, copper disrupts the nervous system in fish and other aquatic creatures, reducing biodiversity.
Persistence of Particles in the Environment
Brake dust particles decompose slowly in the environment. Some heavy metals can remain active in the soil for decades to centuries, posing a long-term burden on ecosystems. This persistence is particularly problematic as particles accumulate and can bioaccumulate in the food chain, threatening not only wildlife but also human health.
3. Health Risks Associated with Brake Dust
Fine particles from brake dust (PM2.5 and PM10) are classified as hazardous to human health due to their association with various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Inhalation of these particles may lead to respiratory irritation, asthma, and, over time, chronic lung disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to PM2.5 is linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
Particle Type Health Impact Recommended PM2.5 Limit by WHO
PM10 Respiratory disease 15 μg/m³ (annual average)
PM2.5 Cardiovascular disease 5 μg/m³ (annual average)
4. Measures to Reduce Brake Dust Emissions
Use of Alternative Materials
One of the most effective ways to reduce brake dust is by replacing traditional materials in brake pads with more eco-friendly compounds. Some automakers are already testing ceramic pads, which produce less fine particulate matter and have lower wear rates. Additionally, ceramic brakes have a longer lifespan and generate less heat, which helps reduce overheating and wear.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking, primarily used in electric and hybrid vehicles, captures energy during braking and stores it back in the battery. This approach not only conserves energy but also significantly reduces brake wear and the amount of dust generated.
Electronic and "Brake-by-Wire" Systems
Modern vehicles increasingly rely on electronic braking systems that are more efficient and produce less wear than traditional mechanical brakes. "Brake-by-wire" systems, which use electronic signals instead of mechanical connections to operate the brakes, allow for precise control of braking force with reduced friction, also lowering dust emissions.
Conclusion
Brake dust is a significant pollution source that affects air quality and the environment as a whole. As exhaust emissions decrease due to stricter regulations, the proportion of non-exhaust sources, including brake dust, in total vehicle emissions continues to rise. Investments in greener braking technologies and the use of cleaner materials are key to mitigating the environmental impact of road transportation.
... B-BRAKE liquid-cooled brake system brings the idea of pollution reduction on another level. We developed fully sealed brake with 0 emission of brake dust particles with higher performance and longer lifetime of the brake up to 200 000 km.
References:
Understanding Brake Wear Particle Emissions and Euro VII Standards (Part 1 of 2). Available at:
UNECE adopts groundbreaking regulation introducing methodology to measure particle emissions from cars and vans’ braking systems. Available at:
Clas Andersson and Tobias Dettmann (2013) Environmental Footprint and Performance Analysis of a Brake Disc Production Line using Discrete Event Simulation. Master of Science Thesis. CHALMERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. Gothenburg, Sweden. Available at:
DEFRA (2019a) Non-Exhaust Emissions from Road Traffic. Available at:
European Environment Agency (2019) EMEP/EEA air pollutant emission inventory guidebook 2019. Part B: sectorial guidance chapters. 1.A.3.b.vi-vii Road tyre and brake wear 2019. Available at:
Clas Andersson and Tobias Dettmann (2013) Environmental Footprint and Performance Analysis of a Brake Disc Production Line using Discrete Event Simulation. Master of Science Thesis. CHALMERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. Gothenburg, Sweden. Available at:
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