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Wear and Tear of Tyres: A Stealthy Source of Microplastics in the Environment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017 1428 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 60 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Pieter Jan Kole, Pieter Jan Kole, Pieter Jan Kole, Ad M.J. Ragas, Frank Van Belleghem, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr Ansje Löhr Ansje Löhr Ad M.J. Ragas, Frank Van Belleghem, Ansje Löhr Ansje Löhr Ansje Löhr Ad M.J. Ragas, Frank Van Belleghem, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr Pieter Jan Kole, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr Ad M.J. Ragas, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Ansje Löhr Frank Van Belleghem, Ad M.J. Ragas, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr Ansje Löhr Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr Ansje Löhr Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Ansje Löhr Ansje Löhr

Summary

This paper compiles existing knowledge on tire wear as a major but often overlooked source of microplastics, estimating global per-person emissions at about 0.8 kilograms per year. Tire particles enter waterways, air, and soil, with an estimated 5-10% of ocean plastic pollution originating from tire wear. The study calls for increased awareness and creative solutions to address this stealthy yet substantial contributor to microplastic contamination.

Polymers

rubber

Wear and tear from tyres significantly contributes to the flow of (micro-)plastics into the environment. This paper compiles the fragmented knowledge on tyre wear and tear characteristics, amounts of particles emitted, pathways in the environment, and the possible effects on humans. The estimated per capita emission ranges from 0.23 to 4.7 kg/year, with a global average of 0.81 kg/year. The emissions from car tyres (100%) are substantially higher than those of other sources of microplastics, e.g., airplane tyres (2%), artificial turf (12-50%), brake wear (8%) and road markings (5%). Emissions and pathways depend on local factors like road type or sewage systems. The relative contribution of tyre wear and tear to the total global amount of plastics ending up in our oceans is estimated to be 5-10%. In air, 3-7% of the particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) is estimated to consist of tyre wear and tear, indicating that it may contribute to the global health burden of air pollution which has been projected by the World Health Organization (WHO) at 3 million deaths in 2012. The wear and tear also enters our food chain, but further research is needed to assess human health risks. It is concluded here that tyre wear and tear is a stealthy source of microplastics in our environment, which can only be addressed effectively if awareness increases, knowledge gaps on quantities and effects are being closed, and creative technical solutions are being sought. This requires a global effort from all stakeholders; consumers, regulators, industry and researchers alike.

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