AliExpress brake pads found to contain cancer-causing asbestos

The Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) is working with national federations to recall brake pads which have been found to include asbestos.

The brake pads, which are most prominently available via the online storefront, AliExpress, are produced by Tanaki, and are designed to fit a range of large capacity scooters. They are the Piaggio X8, 125 and 200 (model years: 2004 - 2005), the X9 Evolution (model years: 2005 - 2007), the X9 500cc (model years: 2003 - 2006), and the X9 500 ie, built in 2007.

There are also some products listed as ‘Brake Shoes’. The manufacturer of those is Zhangxingyue, and they are designed for the Piaggio Fly, the Liberty S 50, the Free 100, the Hexagon LX4, the Skipper LX, the Typhoon, and the X8 Street 125cc and 150cc. The AliExpress for the two parts in question (which fit the bikes mentioned above) are 1005005351305154 and 12000032712646357.

There are also brake shoes being recalled, again available on Ali Express and produced by XHMT. They are designed to fit a range of bikes, although specific models and makes aren’t noted.

All the products noted in the action are produced in China, and all of the products fail to meet REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations. These guidelines aim to protect consumers from coming into contact with harmful substances and to protect the environment.

Asbestos was, until 1999 when it was banned, a common ingredient in brake pads and friction material construction. Its resistance to high temperatures and its overall durability made it ideal for brake pads and shoes, and also clutches. The risk, though, is that somebody who comes into contact with asbestos dust regularly could be put at a much higher risk of developing respiratory cancers or other breathing problems.

It is also worth remembering that when it comes to asbestos, there is no safe amount you can breathe in. While it is prolonged exposure to asbestos that normally causes illness, short-term exposure to the material can still cause problems further down the line.

With that in mind, if you have any of these products on your bike, speak to your nearest authorised bike dealer and never try to dispose of them yourself.

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