ENZHMS
Link Copiedcheck_circle
International

Study: Brake Dust More Harmful To Humans Than Diesel Emissions

Thoriq Azmi

Share via

Caricarz-MBA-BMW-i5-eDrive40MSport-Ext-(21).jpg

A new study recently indicated that brake dust emitted by both EVs and ICE vehicles are much more harmful to human health than diesel emissions.


Though electric vehicles (EVs) are widely hailed by supporters as a key tool towards reducing global warming and making our air cleaner to breathe versus combustion (ICE) vehicles, they still emit certain types of emissions that are still very harmful to human health.

In fact, a new research published recently by University of Southampton suggests that brake dust, commonly emitted by both EVs and ICE vehicles, is much more toxic and definitely more harmful than breathing in heavy diesel smog.


Caricarz-AS-Kia-EV9-Review-Rolling-7.jpg

The study also stresses EVs emit more brake dust per stop versus ICE counterparts due to their heavier weight, and that's despite their ability to use non-friction braking via e-motor 'regen'.


This is indeed a surprise, more so considering the perception that EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking (commonly called ‘regen’) from their e-motors that significantly reduces the use of traditional friction brakes.

However, EVs are also significantly heavier versus ICE (non-PHEV) counterparts. In other words, when frictions brakes are eventually applied in EVs, they tend to generate more brake dust per stop, says this new study.


web_CariCarz_review_Toyota-GR-Corolla_TA_-15.jpgweb_review_CariCarz_TA_Audi-e-tron-GT-quattro_set-2_-6.jpgCaricarz-MBA-Chery-Tiggo7Pro-Ext-12.jpg

Several types of brake pads were tested in said study, and it found non-asbestos organic pad types to be the most harmful - these caused the most lung inflammation.


A slew of emissions particulates from different types of brake pads were studied by scientists. Amongst the brake pad types tested included low-metallic, semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic, and hybrid ceramic types – all widely available in most EVs and ICE vehicles today.

Surprisingly, the non-asbestos organic pads tested stood out as they caused the most lung inflammation, thus making them more toxic than diesel emissions.  Initially developed to replace older pads containing asbestos, copper fibers, which improve thermal conductivity, substitute the asbestos instead.


web_review_CariCarz_TA_Audi-e-tron-GT-quattro_set-2_-7.jpgweb_TA_Review_BMW-X5-xDrive50e-M-Sport_-62.jpg

Specifically, it's the copper dust emitted by these brake pad type that are very harmful. Like the asbestos they replace, copper dust are linked as causes for lung ailment like cancer and asthma.


However, like asbestos, which has proven links to causing lung disease, copper dust in these type of brake pads are also found to be linked to lung ailments like cancer, asthma and chronic pulmonary disease. More concerning too is the fact that this brake pad type is the most common type on sale due to their low cost, noise, and wear rate.

Up until this point, this type of emissions aren’t exactly regulated, but this will change next year (2026) as Euro 7 emissions standards are enforced. Part of this updated legislations is the inclusion of brake dust emissions limits, though this is likely to be policed across new cars, not parts available in existing ones.

Apart from which, there’s little regulation globally that governs non-tailpipe vehicle emissions, including from tyres – arguably another major source of harmful particles. Similarly, because of their heavier weight, EVs also tend to produce even more tyre pollution versus ICE vehicles.


web_CariCarz_review_Hyundai-Ioniq-6-Max-AWD_-(20).jpg





Share This Article

Written By

Thoriq Azmi

Former DJ turned driver, rider and story-teller. I drive, I ride, and I string words together about it all. [#FuelledByThoriq] IG: https://www.instagram.com/fuelledbythoriq/

Share via

JPJ Running Numbers

KUALA LUMPUR

VPG2413

SELANGOR

BSF4599

JOHOR

JYA4029

PULAU PINANG

PRR4536

PERAK

ANW6081

PAHANG

CFC1058

KEDAH

KGA9074

NEGERI SEMBILAN

NEG2170

KOTA KINABALU

SJL2696

KUCHING

QAB5036L

Last updated 14 Jun, 2025

Fuel Price

Petrol

RON 95

RM 2.05

RON 97

RM 3.07

RON 100

RM 5.00

VPR

RM 6.23

Diesel

EURO 5 B10

RM 2.74

EURO 5 B7

RM 2.94

Last updated 12 Jun, 2025

Related News

EV
Study: Relocating EV Battery production From China To EU Can Slash Emissions By 37%

Study: Relocating EV Battery production From China To EU Can Slash Emissions By 37%

47% of production locations planned for Europe by 2030 have been secured, up from 33% a year ago.

16-05-2024
International
Great Wall Motors Unveils New Hi4 Hybrid AWD Technology

Great Wall Motors Unveils New Hi4 Hybrid AWD Technology

During a recent event, Great Wall Motors showcased its new Hi4 hybrid technology.

16-03-2023

Latest News

International
Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept Unveiled as a Hydrogen-Hybrid Le Mans Racer

Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept Unveiled as a Hydrogen-Hybrid Le Mans Racer

Toyota has unveiled its second hydrogen-powered Le Mans hypercar concept, known as the Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept.

14-06-2025
International
London-bound Air India Boeing Crash Kills Hundreds, Leaves Sole Survivor

London-bound Air India Boeing Crash Kills Hundreds, Leaves Sole Survivor

An Air India flight bound for London tragically crashed in western India on Thursday, resulting in over 290 fatalities.

13-06-2025
International
Chery Nears 5 Million Export Milestone; One Vehicle Shipped Every 29 Sec

Chery Nears 5 Million Export Milestone; One Vehicle Shipped Every 29 Sec

As Chery races towards 5 million exports, signs point to Malaysia welcoming its premium brand Exeed as early as 2026.

13-06-2025
International
Price Wars in China Are Breaking the Supply Chain

Price Wars in China Are Breaking the Supply Chain

Experts say endless price wars in China are hurting not just automakers, it’s also affecting the entire supply chain.

12-06-2025
International
New 2026 Audi Q3 Teased, Debuts On June 16

New 2026 Audi Q3 Teased, Debuts On June 16

2026 Audi Q3 crossover teased ahead of June 16 debut, will feature upscale new design and more.

11-06-2025
International
Aston Martin Valkyrie LM Unveiled as the Ultimate Track Day Machine

Aston Martin Valkyrie LM Unveiled as the Ultimate Track Day Machine

The all-new Aston Martin Valkyrie is a track-only Le Mans hypercar that you can actually buy and drive.

11-06-2025
International
Nissan, Stellantis Supplier Marelli Reportedly Filing for Bankruptcy

Nissan, Stellantis Supplier Marelli Reportedly Filing for Bankruptcy

Nissan and Stellantis auto parts supplier Marelli is reportedly filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

09-06-2025
International
Porsche 963 Le Mans Racer Gains One-Off Roadcar Version

Porsche 963 Le Mans Racer Gains One-Off Roadcar Version

One-off Porsche 963 RSP is a one-off version of the brand’s Le Mans endurance racer.

09-06-2025

Show More

trending_flat
Carz Automedia Malaysia Logo
About Us

CarzAutoMedia: Stay connected to the latest car news! Get instant updates on new releases, industry trends, and automotive innovations. Your go-to source for 24/7 coverage of everything automotive.

© 2025 CariCarz.com. All Rights Reserved.