Asbestos was banned from the brake pads of cars more than ten years ago, but
the copper that replaced it may be polluting the soil and harming wildlife. A
study by the Swedish Environment Protection Agency found that concentrations of
the metal on roadside verges are between two and three times as high as
background levels, and they are increasing. “It seems that we have traded a
health problem for an environmental problem,” says Bo Bergback, the study’s
author from Kalmar University in southern Sweden.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Physics
Record-breaking, fast-spinning magnet could help uncover new physics
News
Environment
An unexpected feedback loop may be driving mega heatwaves
News
91ɫÇéƬ
Less than 4 minutes of vigorous exercise a day could halve your dementia risk
News
91ɫÇéƬ
Parkinson’s may be driven by ‘vicious cycle’ that disrupts brain waste drainage
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles