Car Tires: A Hidden Source of Nearly a Third of Microplastics

Each year, billions of vehicles around the globe release approximately 6 million tons of tiny tire fragments into the environment.
These microscopic particles, created through everyday driving, make their way into soil, waterways, and even our food systems.

Tire debris is a major contributor to microplastic pollution, responsible for nearly 28% of the microplastics released worldwide.
However, this significant issue is often overlooked, as tire particles are typically grouped with other types of microplastics instead of being treated as a distinct problem requiring targeted solutions.

A recent international study emphasizes the need to categorize tire particles as a unique form of pollution.
This shift could lead to more specialized research and tailored policies to address their environmental impact.
It could also raise public awareness, empowering individuals to take action against this largely invisible threat.

Currently, global delegates are convening in South Korea to discuss the first-ever plastics pollution treaty.
While this groundbreaking agreement aims to tackle various aspects of plastic pollution, tire particles remain a low priority.
Highlighting their distinct role in microplastic pollution could pave the way for innovative solutions and increase public engagement in mitigating this environmental challenge.