By SEMA Washington, D.C, Staff
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached an accord with states and industry associations representing the automakers and major suppliers to reduce the amount of copper used in motor vehicle brake pads. Copper amounts will be reduced to less than 5% by 2021 and 0.5% by 2025 under the so-called “Copper-Free Brake Initiative.” The voluntary agreement also seeks to reduce the amount of mercury, lead, cadmium, asbestiform fibers and chromium-6 salts in motor vehicle brake pads.
As brakes are used, these materials may fall on the roadways and eventually run-off into streams, rivers and lakes and pose harm to animals and plants. California and Washington have already passed requirements to reduce these materials in brake pads.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.