新奇事件簿 刹车片会损害免疫系统（在线收听）

There is a newly-found menace on the roads that could be harming our health - brake pads from road vehicles. Scientists have discovered that toxic dust and metal particles from worn-out brake pads could have the same harmful impact on our bodies as diesel emissions. King's College London found that fine dust released when a vehicle brakes could cause a number of health problems. These include an inflammation of the lungs, reduced immunity, an increased risk of respiratory problems, and serious infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. It is estimated that 93 per cent of particulate pollution from traffic comes from sources such as tyres, clutches and brake wear, and road dust.

近期在道路上发现了一种可能危害我们健康的新威胁——道路车辆的刹车片。科学家们发现磨损刹车片中的有害灰尘和金属颗粒可能会像尾气一样对我们的身体造成同样的影响。伦敦大学国王学院发现汽车刹车时释放的粉尘会导致一系列健康问题。包括肺部炎症、免疫力下降、呼吸系统疾病风险增加以及严重的感染，如支气管炎或肺炎据估计，93%的交通颗粒物污染自轮胎、离合器和刹车磨损以及道路灰尘。

The scientists say brake dust could be the cause of a condition they have dubbed "London throat". Sufferers are the city dwellers who continually experience runny noses and irritating coughs and colds. These could be caused by people inhaling the brake dust. Metal particles coat the lungs and prevent cells in our immune system from clearing harmful bacteria. Researcher Dr Ian Mudway said dust from the various sources of friction within vehicles casts doubt on motor industry claims of zero-emission cars. He said: "There is no such thing as a zero-emission vehicle. As regulations to reduce exhaust emissions kick in, the contribution from sources such as brake dust are likely to become more significant."

科学家表示，刹车扬尘可能是导致“伦敦喉”的原因。其患者是那些经常流鼻涕、咳嗽、感冒的城市居民。这些可能是由人们吸入刹车粉尘引起的。金属颗粒覆盖在肺部，阻止我们免疫系统中的细胞清除有害细菌。研究人员Ian Mudway博士称来自汽车内部各种摩擦源的灰尘让人们对汽车行业宣称的零排放汽车产生了怀疑。他说道：“没有零排放这回事。随着减少尾气排放的法规开始生效，来自刹车粉尘等来源的影响可能会变得更加显著。