A new study led by an international team of scientists highlights tire particles (TPs) as the leading contributor to microplastics and calls for urgent, targeted research to address their unique environmental and health risks.
Accounting for nearly one-third of all microplastics,
Rubber tire dust is also toxic to ecosystems, sometimes more than the plastic dust version. As the articles suggest, additives are also a problem, but additives matter to the integrity and qualities of the tires. Best to get rid of cars entirely.
Cars won’t be gotten rid of entirely. But we can reduce their usage. Rideshare systems (non-evil ones, not just Uber/Lyft; a membership system has been tried in Europe and works well) could help reduce the need for cars.