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The starter is a motor used to start the movement of the engine parts. In most electric motors, metal brushes rotate and make contact with a coil electrode to transfer electrical current. Since these brushes are worn by friction, the metal in the brushes contained lead to extend their life. There were no alternative substances, so including lead was absolutely imperative until this development. Unfortunately, lead has an adverse impact on the human body when it accumulates in human tissue. It might also pollute the soil when dumped in landfills as waste. Moreover, it can dissolve in groundwater causing negative impacts on animals and other living organisms. Each country therefore established regulations regarding the use of lead while encouraging manufacturers to avoid using it.
DENSO developed a technology to manufacture motor brushes without containing lead before the regulations were established, and stopped using lead in the manufacture of all motor brushes as well as starters by the end of 2002. Moreover, the new motor brushes have a longer life and greater power than the previous products containing lead. |
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