US EPA initiates efforts to reduce copper content in brake pads

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) entered into an agreement with various automobile industry groups and Council of states to cut the use of copper and other materials such as mercury, lead, cadmium, asbestiform fibers and chromium-6 salts in automobile brake pads.

The initiative named “Copper-Free Brake” proposes to cut copper used in brake pads to less than 5% by 2021. Further, it aims to cut the content to less than 0.5% by 2025. According to the EPA authorities, the initiative will help to reduce the runoff of these harmful materials to country’s waterways, rivers, streams and lakes, where they are found to cause harm to plants and animals.

California and Washington have enacted rules that make it mandatory for automobiles to reduce copper and other materials in brake pads. Data suggests that dust from vehicular braking in California released approximately 1.3 million lb of copper into the environment. However, after enacting rules for changes in brake pad composition, the copper content in urban runoff has declined sharply by over 60%. The estimates for 2011 shows that the copper released from brake pads in Washington had totaled 250,000 lb.

The MOU was signed between the US EPA, the Environmental Council of States and eight industry organizations- Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association; Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association; Brake Manufacturers Council; Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association; Auto Care Association; Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; Association of Global Automakers, Inc.; and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association.