Tire pollution on the road is an environmental and health challenge of growing importance in the current global context. As vehicle use continues to expand, the consequences of wear and tear and disposal of “transport rubber” become more and more evident (as in this recent Yale study). We need to address the problem with innovative and sustainable solutions. Let's explore the main consequences together by analyzing the environmental impact, the effects on human health and the strategies to mitigate this phenomenon.
Tyres: environmental impact
Contribution to microplastic pollution
- Definition and dimension of the problem: Tires are made of a complex mixture of natural and synthetic materials, including significant amounts of plastic. They wear out during use, releasing tiny fragments into the environment. These fragments contribute significantly to pollution from microplastics, because they affect marine and terrestrial ecosystems with long-term consequences.
- Pathway in aquatic and terrestrial systems: The fragments of rubber they can be transported by rainwater into sewer systems. They reach rivers, lakes and, eventually, the oceans. Even in the clouds. In soil, microplastics resulting from tires can affect fertility and biodiversity, altering the habitat of numerous organisms.
Resource consumption and emissions
- Intensive use of natural resources: Tire production requires a significant amount of natural resources, in particular Petroleum, highlighting the need for more efficient and sustainable production practices.
- Emissions during production and use: In addition to the consumption of resources, the production and wear of wheels generate harmful emissions, contributing to climate change and the degradation of air quality.
Tire pollution: effects on human health
- Exposure to toxic substances: Particles resulting from tire wear may contain dangerous chemicals, such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which pose a risk to human health through inhalation or direct contact.
- Public health implications: The presence of microplastics and toxic chemicals in aquatic and terrestrial environments can have direct and indirect effects on human health. Which? Among the major ones: respiratory problems, endocrine disorders and potential carcinogenic effects.
Mitigation strategies
Innovations in tire recycling
- Reuse and recycling: represents a key strategy to reduce environmental impact, then transforming waste into resources for new products and applications.
- Development of new materials: The search for alternative and more sustainable materials for tire production is essential to reduce resource consumption and harmful emissions.
Promotion of sustainable driving practices
- Education and awareness: Encouraging driving behaviors that reduce tire wear can significantly reduce the production of microplastics.
- Eco-friendly tyres: The development and adoption of tires designed to be more durable and less polluting represent a promising direction for the automotive industry.
In short (Italian only)
Roadside tire pollution is a complex environmental and health problem that requires a multidisciplinary approach to effectively address. Through innovation in recycling, the development of more sustainable materials and the promotion of responsible driving practices, it is possible to significantly mitigate the impact of tires on the environment and human health.
Collaboration between industry, governments and communities? It will clearly be crucial to realizing these solutions and ensuring a more sustainable future.
