There is still a lot to learn about the particles released into the air when a vehicle brakes. Evidence suggests that these particles could be more harmful to health than those coming out of the tailpipe.
According to Adam Thomas, a doctoral candidate, and Jim Smith, a chemistry professor, up to 80% of aerosol particles emitted from braking are electrically charged, and many of them are highly charged.
To conduct the study, the team used a large lathe to spin a detached brake rotor and caliper. They then measured the electric charge of the aerosols emitted into the air and discovered the 80% figure.
Smith expressed surprise at the findings and noted the lack of previous research on this topic, considering the widespread use of cars in human societies.
This research is part of a broader effort at UCI to understand the public health impacts of non-tailpipe emissions in areas with heavy car traffic, particularly in Southern California.
2024-03-12 15:51:03
Source from phys.org