🚀 go-pugleaf

[ Article crossposted from rec.bicycles.misc ]
[ Author was Tom Dempster ]
[ Posted on Sat, 24 Oct 1992 18:00:50 GMT ]


Here is a summary of the responses I received to my question posted
Oct.17 regarding burning brake shoes. First, my post as it appeared
in rec.auto.tech, rec.bicycles.misc, ca.environment, sci.environment:

_____________________________________________________________________
Subject: Exposure to burning automobile brake shoes
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1992 18:47:26 GMT

Can any medical/health professionals out there comment on the 
physiological effects of the following exposure?

I frequently travel by bicycle for recreational purposes in
the Sierra Nevada range of mountains here in California. I 
notice an odor which I suspect is burning brake shoes when
motor vehicles pass by after negotiating steep downhills.
The intensity of the odor appears to vary with the grade
and duration of the downhill section which the vehicle has
just descended. Larger vehicles seem to emit a heavier dose.

What substance is fouling the air in this circumstance?

Realizing that any statements concerning toxic exposure
must be quantitatively qualified, what can be concluded,
if anything from this with regards to any adverse health
effects?

__________________________________________________________

The responses varied from folks who thought there was nothing
to be concerned about to some who thought there was a signif-
icant health risk.

There was considerable disagreement among the responses as to 
what substance brake shoes are made of. 

I confess to being a complete lay person when it comes to the
pertinent fields of expertise envolved. Below appears what I
consider to be the most authoritative response I received.
It should be noted however, that not knowing much about this
stuff, my judgement as to which response is authoritative and
which isn't is largely speculative.
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