THE RISE IN CONCERN WITH ANTIMONY IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY.

There has been growing concern in the automotive and braking industries over the use of hazardous materials in brake compounds. One of the first major shifts toward stricter friction material standards came in 2015, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated the removal of copper from brake pads. Today, the industry’s attention is on antimony.

Antimony, also known as stibium, is a shiny, silver-gray element. According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, antimony is “produced from stibnite ores … or as a byproduct of lead smelting and production.”

Concerns about antimony in brake compounds stem from the potential carcinogenic effects it can have on people exposed to it. Some brake pad manufacturers use antimony in their products, and at high braking temperatures, these compounds can break down and oxidize, forming antimony trioxide. When released as fine particulate matter or dust, these particles can become airborne, creating potential health risks when inhaled.

The Toxicological Profile for Antimony and Compounds states that “the toxicological effects of antimony in humans following inhalation or oral exposure are pneumoconiosis, altered EKG readings, increased blood pressure, abdominal distress, ulcers, dermatosis and ocular irritation.” The report did not identify deaths attributed to antimony exposure in humans; however, it notes that antimony may be lethal at sufficiently high exposure levels.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO PFC BRAKES?

PFC Brakes is 100% antimony-free and has always been. From its inception, PFC has prioritized the safety of employees, the environment and end users. In addition to eliminating antimony, PFC products are free from other hazardous materials, including lead, chromium, potassium titanate, asbestos and cadmium.

The brand’s leadership in cleaner brake technology dates back decades. In 1987, PFC Brakes was the first to pass haul-truck BMC certification with asbestos-free disc pads on a 690,000-pound truck. Today, PFC products remain copper-free, continuing a long-standing commitment to environmentally responsible braking solutions while meeting EPA standards.

By eliminating antimony and other harmful materials, PFC Brakes helps reduce health risks while providing the performance and reliability customers expect.