Hidden Source Fuels 30% of Microplastics Globally

Annually, billions of vehicles across the globe release an estimated 6 million tonnes of tire debris. These minuscule plastic fragments, resulting from the inevitable wear associated with regular driving, gradually infiltrate our soil, waterways, and even the food we consume. Recent research conducted in South China revealed the presence of tire-derived chemicals in a significant proportion of human urine samples.

Tire particles represent a substantial yet frequently unacknowledged source of microplastic pollution, constituting approximately 28 percent of all microplastics released into the environment worldwide. Despite the magnitude of this issue, tire pollution is seldom scrutinized as a distinct category and is often relegated to a broader classification of microplastics, despite their unique properties necessitating specialized consideration.

It is imperative that we establish tire particles as an independent category of pollution. In a recent international study, my colleagues and I posited that such classification would catalyze targeted research initiatives, thereby informing policies aimed specifically at mitigating tire pollution. Enhanced public awareness is equally crucial in addressing this pressing environmental concern.

Currently, representatives convene in South Korea to negotiate a global treaty on plastic pollution. While this historic agreement is set to encompass various facets of plastic waste, tire pollutants remain largely absent from discussions. Acknowledging tire pollution as a distinct issue may unlock targeted solutions and heighten public consciousness, an essential step in combating this escalating environmental threat.