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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Suspension | Chassis | Brakes > Brake Dust and Health
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      06-03-2013, 05:26 PM   #1
B///MWGuy
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Brake Dust and Health

Hi, I came across this question in my mind as I washed my car lately. Does anyone know if brake dusts cause any harm to our body? Especially, BMW brakes seem to create more brake dusts than other manufacturers.

I know this isn't health forum, but I think it'd be interesting to know as many of us (seems to) wash our own car.

If it does cause health problem, may be its not good to open window in highway/freeway since there are lots of cars using brake and brake dusts should be flying all around?
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      06-03-2013, 05:29 PM   #2
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Hah, you might be the first one who brings this up!
For your question, you might just need to look for what the brake rotor is made for. Then you ll know that particles if its harmful to human body.
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      06-03-2013, 05:34 PM   #3
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yes it is harmful since brake pads contain asbestos. So, contact should be limited. Early brake pads had far more asbestos than is used in todays pads. That is why old school mechanics have suffered from lung cancer and C.O.P.D. issues. Just washing your car and wheels or driving with your window open on the highways is not a cause for concern and could be overthinking the issue too much.
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      06-03-2013, 05:53 PM   #4
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Using latex gloves while washing is a good idea.
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      06-03-2013, 06:41 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doublevanosrc View Post
Using latex gloves while washing is a good idea.
Can't hurt. But when it comes to asbestos exposure inhalation is the far greater concern. Limit exposure and working in well ventilated area is the way to go.
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      06-03-2013, 08:10 PM   #6
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I thought asbestos was no longer allowed for years... :S
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      06-03-2013, 10:25 PM   #7
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^^^

Correct. Asbestos has been banned for many years.

There is nothing scary in brake dust. I would avoid licking your wheels however.
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      06-04-2013, 02:52 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elk View Post
^^^

Correct. Asbestos has been banned for many years.

There is nothing scary in brake dust. I would avoid licking your wheels however.
Solid advice.
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      06-04-2013, 03:48 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elk View Post
^^^

Correct. Asbestos has been banned for many years.

There is nothing scary in brake dust. I would avoid licking your wheels however.
... Oh damn I'm screwed...
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      06-04-2013, 04:27 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ybbiz34 View Post
Solid advice.
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      06-04-2013, 02:51 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elk View Post
^^^

Correct. Asbestos has been banned for many years.

There is nothing scary in brake dust. I would avoid licking your wheels however.
I guess I should quit doing that to check the brake thickness..
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      07-30-2013, 03:18 AM   #12
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Yes i guess that is an inappropriate thing mate,you better avoid checking that by yourself.
And let the mechanic do that,Dust can obviously cause some bad effects on the health especially for the people who are allergic to dust.


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Last edited by Adolfo; 08-05-2013 at 03:03 AM..
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      07-31-2013, 01:48 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fyun89 View Post
Hi, I came across this question in my mind as I washed my car lately. Does anyone know if brake dusts cause any harm to our body? Especially, BMW brakes seem to create more brake dusts than other manufacturers.

I know this isn't health forum, but I think it'd be interesting to know as many of us (seems to) wash our own car.

If it does cause health problem, may be its not good to open window in highway/freeway since there are lots of cars using brake and brake dusts should be flying all around?
As said from some others. Asbestos hase been banned in car brake pads for at least 20 years.
Brake dust can contain so called "Very fine airborne particulates". They can go through the lung into the inner of the body.
Those particulates are said to be also harmful to us. Anyway, tires and exhaust gas of petrol and diesel engines also create those particulates. In even higher dose.

So if you can't resist licking your wheels. Just don't inhale!
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