A new British study suggests that microscopic particles from brake pads could be more toxic than emissions from diesel engines. This finding raises concern

Electric vehicle brake pads could cause more pollution than diesel cars with risks of increasing pollution levels, a study in the south of England has found.

Almost half of all copper in the air we breathe comes from brake and tyre wear. Various studies conducted by other research groups have found that exposure to high concentrations of copper is associated with impaired lung function, and overall risk of death.

While the study doesn't specify which diesel engines were used to draw this comparison, agencies report that copper-heavy brake pads aren't much better than the asbestos units they replaced.