AndresFeb 12
The black shit covering the snow? That's from #cars. But importantly, it's not just exhaust soot - it's also pieces of tire (as they wear down). Eg, #microplastics that will end up in the ocean and in our drinking water.
Show threadAndresFeb 12

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/pollution-microplastic-waste-tires-b2794350.html

"In recent times, tire wear particles have been found to account for about 45% of all microplastics in both terrestrial and aquatic systems."

"Researchers in 2020 found that more than half of the coho salmon returning to streams in Washington state died before spawning, largely because of 6PPD-Q, a chemical stemming from 6PPD, which is added to tires to help keep them from degrading."

The most frustrating thing about all this? Cities don't clear sidewalks, so more cars

One of the biggest microplastic pollution sources revealed – and it’s not straws or bags

Tire wear particles have been found to account for about 45 per cent of all microplastics in both terrestrial and aquatic systems

The Independent
Show threadlegraLeGraFeb 12

@Andres4NY

This is the exhaustive review article on tires as a microplastics source. Not only in the waterways but also aerosolized (in the air)

https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/where-rubber-meets-road-epa-researchers-study-environmental-and-health-impacts-tires

Where Rubber Meets the Road: EPA Researchers Study the Environmental and Health Impacts of Tires | US EPA

The issue of tire pollution is complex, as every step of a tire’s life cycle, from production to use to disposal, can impact our environment, health and wildlife. This story discusses EPA research on tire wear and 6PPD-quinone.

US EPA
Show threadDecaturNatureFeb 12
@atthenius @Andres4NY Thanks for sharing these articles. I'm particularly interested in how much our exposure/ingestion/inhalation can be reduced by limiting vehicle speeds in populated areas. I hope to find some relevant info in the EPA report.
Show threadlegraLeGra

@DecaturNature @Andres4NY

Low weight is importantly for tire wear.

And we haven’t even talked about brake dust

Feb 12 at 10:38pmWeb