Central OC Times

UC Irvine researchers have uncovered a concerning aspect of air pollution related to vehicle braking. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, doctoral candidate Adam Thomas revealed that "up to 80% of aerosol particles emitted from braking are electrically charged, and that many of them are in fact highly charged." This finding sheds light on a previously understudied source of potential harm to public health.

Lead researcher Jim Smith expressed his surprise at the results, stating, "We were also surprised that this has not really been studied given how common cars are in human societies." The study emphasized the need for further research into the health effects of these brake wear particles, as noted by aerosol chemistry professor Manabu Shiraiwa, who highlighted that "the toxicity and health effects of brake wear particles are largely unknown."

The implications of this research extend to the growing prevalence of electric vehicles. While electric cars are often perceived as zero-emission vehicles, Smith clarified that they still produce harmful particles through braking. Strategies to mitigate emissions from brake use, in addition to tailpipes, will be crucial in the coming years.

One potential solution highlighted by Smith is the ability to remove charged particles from the air using electrostatic precipitators. This technology could help prevent these particles from impacting public health, offering a promising avenue for reducing the risks associated with brake emissions.

Environmental justice concerns were also raised in the study, with Professor Barbara Finlayson-Pitts emphasizing that poorer communities, often located in high-traffic areas, bear a disproportionate burden of exposure to brake emissions. This aspect underscores the importance of addressing environmental inequalities in public health research and policy.

The research conducted at UC Irvine is supported by community engagement efforts, with local organizations like the Madison Park Neighborhood Association in Santa Ana helping disseminate scientific findings to the public. The study was funded in part by fees paid by Volkswagen as part of a settlement with the California Department of Justice.

Overall, the study underscores the need for continued investigation into the impact of brake emissions on public health and the environment, as well as the importance of addressing environmental justice issues in the context of air pollution.