Still lead in the air in cities

[dan_b]

https://cleantechnica.com/2021/07/01/th ... uplifting/

Urgh. STill measurable amounts of lead detected in London's air, even though lead in petrol was banned in the 90s...

[Stinsy]

Tires and brakes still result in lead pollution in the air even after lead was removed from fuel.

[AE-NMidlands]

That was puzzling, but looking at the press release it says

They found that the isotope composition of the air particles was similar to the signature of soils and road dust, leading them to suggest that resuspension of lead-containing dust, perhaps with wind and vehicle movement, is now an important source of lead.

and

The researchers say that if these current levels prove harmful, then measures should be taken to target the sources of the lead in soil and on roads.
Possible measures to lower lead levels include covering contaminated urban soils with fresh soil, which has been effective in reducing children’s blood lead levels in New Orleans.

I don't think there is any suggestion that current tyres and brakes are releasing lead, but if you know that is the case I would be interested to hear how, i.e. where the lead is in those components.
I accept that they are a significant source of PM2.5, which is dangerous in its own right and one of the reasons why I disagree with the assumption that electric cars will make everything OK.
A

[Stinsy]

I don't think there is any suggestion that current tyres and brakes are releasing lead, but if you know that is the case I would be interested to hear how, i.e. where the lead is in those components.

Have a look here for info:

https://naei.beis.gov.uk/overview/pollu ... tant_id=17

[AE-NMidlands]

It still just says

In 2018, the major sources of lead were tyres and brakes, which now accounts for 33% of the national total

but with no explanation. I know some steels have lead in for ease of machining, maybe brake pads have it for the same reason ("lubrication") but that doesn't seem to be a very good idea given the friction wear expected on brake components.
Equally https://healthybuilding.net/blog/461-on ... laygrounds says

Lead compounds have been part of tire formulations since 1839, when Charles Goodyear heated a mix of natural rubber, sulfur and white lead, and created the world’s first melt-proof rubber blend.[20] Lead oxide continued to be used in tire vulcanization until recently.[21]

(my emphasis.) Hope they replace it with sonething less toxic pretty soon.
A