Ford Repair: Squealing brakes, brake squeal, squealing brakes

Question
I have a 2005 Ford Freestyle. My brake pads were replaced about a year ago, and my tires were rotated about three months ago. Recently, my brakes have been squealing so badly that it hurts my ears. They squeal when I am driving slowly and come to a stop. If I am driving faster than 30 mph and slow down for a red light, they make no sound. However, if I am driving through a school zone and stop at a crosswalk or something similar to that, it sounds like nails on a chalkboard. My husband checked the brake pads and said that they don't seem worn to him. What are some other things that could be causing this? I am worried that continuing to drive my car could cause serious damage if my brakes are really messed up, and could also potentially be dangerous. Thank you for your time and help!

Answer
First I must ask where you had your brakes done and did they replace the pads and rotors together ? Reason being, if you used after market pads. there is a heavy metal content in them which will cause this concern but at the same time, there is a solution. Your local auto parts store actually sells a spray that you apply in the same fashion of spray paint directly to the rotor. It's actually called brake squeal eliminator. it's gray in golor when applied. you spray it on, drive the vehicle performing 4-5 heavy stops and the chemical embeds itself into the brake pads and quiets the brakes down. it truly does work.