Car tyres are a major hidden source of microplastics in our environment
In short: A review of environmental data found that the wear and tear from car tyres is a primary contributor to global microplastic pollution. While other sources like airplane tyres or artificial turf contribute less, tyre particles significantly enter our air, water systems, and food chains.
The study highlights that tyre emissions are substantially higher than most other microplastic sources, accounting for 5–10% of all plastics ending up in the oceans. Furthermore, these particles make up an estimated 3–7% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, potentially contributing to global health burdens from air pollution.
This research is a compilation of existing knowledge rather than a new primary experiment. Because it synthesizes fragmented data, its findings are limited by current gaps in understanding specific human health risks and exact emission quantities across different local environments.
Why it matters: Tyres are a stealthy but massive source of plastic pollution that impacts our air, oceans, and food chains.
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