What are the disadvantages of asbestos materials?
Asbestos (also known as asbestos fiber) was widely used in the past, particularly in construction materials, insulation, and friction materials, but it has several major disadvantages, especially concerning health and environmental impacts.
Carcinogenicity: If asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs, they can cause severe health hazards. Asbestos has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Environmental Pollution: Asbestos fibers can disperse into the air and remain in the environment for a long time without decomposing, leading to persistent pollution risks.
Difficult to Handle: The disposal of asbestos waste requires special procedures, as improper handling can release fibers into the air, posing risks to workers and the surrounding environment.
Legal and Regulatory Issues: Many countries have banned or strictly restricted the use of asbestos, so products made with asbestos materials face legal and market limitations.
Safer Alternative Materials: Today, there are many safer alternative materials available, and the advantages of asbestos (such as heat resistance and chemical durability) are no longer irreplaceable.
What replaces asbestos in brake pads?
Ceramic brake pads:
Currently, widely used ceramic brake pads are made from ceramic fibers, adhesives, and other synthetic materials.
Ceramic brake pads have good heat dissipation, produce less brake dust, are less likely to cause brake disc wear, and, unlike asbestos, are not harmful to health.
Organic brake pads (NAO, Non-Asbestos Organic):
Made by blending cellulose, aramid fibers (such as Kevlar), glass fibers, rubber, and other organic compounds.
NAO brake pads typically produce less noise and are suitable for light vehicles, but their heat dissipation and durability may not be as good as other types of brake pads.
Semi-Metallic brake pads:
Semi-metallic brake pads are made by blending steel, iron, copper, and other metal fibers with adhesives.
They offer good heat dissipation and braking performance, making them suitable for high-performance and heavy-duty vehicles, but they may produce more noise and wear compared to organic materials.
These alternative materials not only effectively replace asbestos, but also offer a variety of options based on the needs of different vehicles, better adapting to the modern demands for performance, comfort, and environmental sustainability in transportation.
What are the health hazards of asbestos?
Respiratory System-related Diseases
Asbestos primarily enters the body through inhalation, and its effects on the respiratory system are the most obvious.
(1) Asbestosis
Cause: Long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers, which deposit in the lungs and irritate lung tissue.
Mechanism: Fibers irritate lung tissue, leading to chronic inflammation and fibrosis, reducing lung elasticity.
Outcome: Can lead to further heart and lung function failure.
(2) Lung Cancer
Cause: Asbestos fibers irritate and damage lung cells, leading to cancerous changes.
High-risk groups: Smokers and those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of lung cancer.
(3) Mesothelioma
Cause: Asbestos fibers deposit in the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium, triggering cancerous changes.
Characteristic: A rare and highly fatal cancer, strongly associated with asbestos exposure.
Global Asbestos Usage Status
Countries with a Ban: According to statistics, over 60 countries worldwide have completely banned asbestos.
Major Producing and Using Countries: Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and others remain the main producers and consumers of asbestos.
Reasons for Promoting Asbestos Ban and Challenges
Reasons:
Medical research has confirmed that all types of asbestos (including chrysotile) carry carcinogenic risks.
Challenges:
The cost of alternative materials is relatively high, making it difficult for economically underdeveloped regions.
The economic interests of asbestos-exporting countries hinder the promotion of a comprehensive ban.
Reminder: This article is for reference only. For specific situations, please consult a professional.
ADUI is a specialized brake pads manufacturer. We offer brake pads in a variety of materials and can adjust performance and lifespan according to customer needs, providing products that best meet client requirements.
