30 votes

Road hazard: Evidence mounts on toxic pollution from tires

5 comments

  1. MangoTiger
    Link
    Summary from Kagi's Universal Summarizer: For over two decades scientists studied why many salmon were dying after rains in the Pacific Northwest. Research revealed that a chemical called 6PPD,...

    Researchers are only beginning to uncover the toxic cocktail of chemicals, microplastics, and heavy metals hidden in car and truck tires. But experts say these tire emissions are a significant source of air and water pollution and may be affecting humans as well as wildlife.

    Summary from Kagi's Universal Summarizer: For over two decades scientists studied why many salmon were dying after rains in the Pacific Northwest. Research revealed that a chemical called 6PPD, added to tires to prevent cracking, was toxic to fish when exposed to ozone in the environment. 6PPD breaks down into 6PPD-quinone, which is highly toxic. Tire particles are a major source of microplastic pollution, with synthetic tire rubber making up 78% of microplastics in oceans. The effects of tire pollution on human health are still being explored. Regulators are now focusing on tire emissions, which exceed those of tailpipes. Hundreds of chemicals are used in tires, and scientists are investigating how they may transform into other toxic compounds. Rain gardens have shown potential for preventing over 90% of the dangerous tire chemical 6PPD-quinone from entering streams. This article highlights the growing awareness of widespread tire pollution and efforts to address it.
    7 votes
  2. vord
    (edited )
    Link
    If you've ever smelled a tire fire you knew this already. Tire fires are a special hellish smell.

    If you've ever smelled a tire fire you knew this already. Tire fires are a special hellish smell.

    7 votes
  3. Octofox
    Link
    I've noticed from living in the city that my balcony and glass gets quickly coated in a black dust. I just assume it's tire dust. Hate to imagine what it does coating your lungs. Transitioning...

    I've noticed from living in the city that my balcony and glass gets quickly coated in a black dust. I just assume it's tire dust. Hate to imagine what it does coating your lungs. Transitioning away from cars can't happen soon enough.

    4 votes
  4. [2]
    kjw
    Link
    Looks like we should tax cars based on their weight. Heavier cars make more tire pollution.

    Looks like we should tax cars based on their weight. Heavier cars make more tire pollution.

    4 votes
    1. booleancat
      Link Parent
      They also cause more wear on the roads.

      They also cause more wear on the roads.

      2 votes