Car Tires: Major Source of Microplastics, Urgent Action Needed
Billions of vehicles annually release 6 million tonnes of tire particles, a significant, yet often overlooked, source of microplastic pollution, accounting for 28% of global microplastic environmental input. These particles, containing hundreds of potentially harmful chemical additives like zinc oxide and 6PPD, necessitate classification as a unique pollution category to facilitate targeted research and policy development. Currently lacking sufficient research on their dispersal and ecological impact, addressing this requires innovative tyre design, weight-based taxation on vehicles, and international collaboration mirroring successful climate and biodiversity initiatives. Failure to act will exacerbate this growing environmental threat.
John Q. Hosedrinker