Researchers are uncovering the hidden dangers lurking in car and truck tires, a complex source of pollution that affects both air and water quality. Tires contain a hazardous mix of chemicals, microplastics, and heavy metals, with experts warning that emissions from tire wear pose significant risks to human health and wildlife. Given the enormous number of vehicles on the road and miles traveled daily, tires have become a widespread and pervasive source of pollution.One particularly concerning pollutant is 6PPD, a chemical added to tires as an antidegradant. Over time, as tires wear down, tiny particles containing 6PPD are released into the environment. When it rains, stormwater carries these particles from roads and paved surfaces into nearby rivers and streams, where they contaminate aquatic ecosystems. Even more troubling, a 2021 study published in Science revealed that 6PPD reacts with ozone in the air to form 6PPD-Quinone (6PPD-Q), a highly toxic byproduct, which was directly linked to the mortality of coho salmon.Since these findings, California state agencies have begun taking action to address the issue. On December 4, the State Water Resources Control Board, in coordination with the Department of Toxic Substances Control and CalTrans, presented their efforts to tackle 6PPD and 6PPD-Q contamination in the state’s waterways.Keep Reading
