Indeed, this study reveals that each car generates between 17 and 40 kilos of plastic particles as well as other additives during its lifespan. After having identified certain carcinogenic elements in their constitution, the association calls for more transparency on the chemical composition of tires.
“Trillions of particles emitted every kilometer”
In a study published on October 14, 2024, Acting for the Environment warns of the importance of pollution due to tire wear. Indeed, by analyzing the journeys of two cars of different categories, a laboratory responsible for this study found that each vehicle released between 65 and 151 mg of rubber on each kilometer traveled. Which represents according to the association of “trillions, even tens of trillions of micro and nanoparticles” as reported by the media Franceinfo.
These particles, invisible to the naked eye, escape control bodies in 99.97% of cases, which makes the situation more worrying for the environment and air quality.
By applying this study to the entire French automobile fleet, the association reveals exorbitant figures. She estimates that this pollution is equivalent to more than 50,000 tonnes of gum particles released each year. This represents a real threat to the health of local residents who live near roads.
A request to quickly strengthen these regulations
Faced with these alarming results, Agir pour l'Environnement is calling for stricter regulations concerning the composition and marketing of tires. The association calls for “submit the tires to a marketing authorization” and this, on a European scale, on the basis of a supported environmental and health assessment.
As a reminder, chemical additives actually represent up to 50% of the mass of tires; measures to reduce these risks are becoming urgent in order to protect both the environment and human health.
The study is based on data obtained using a laboratory as mentioned above, two electric vehicles, a compact SUV and a city car, were tested on different types of roads, namely motorways, urban and even rural roads. For this, the car tires were dismantled, before being cleaned and then weighed, before and after each journey to precisely measure the loss of rubber, which demonstrates the extent of the pollution released by this daily wear and tear.
Lack of transparency in industries
The study goes so far as to denounce the toxicity of tire components. Indeed, Acting for the Environment announces having identified “at least 25 volatile organic compounds” of which more than half are recognized as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, we do not know the exact composition of the tires, the latter being protected by industrial secrecy. This situation displeases the general director of the association, Stéphane Kerkhov, who warns of the fact that “ this pollution has been completely ignored”. Thus, he requests a lifting of this secrecy to allow public bodies to assess the real impacts of these substances on health and the environment.
Sources : Acting for the environment, Franceinfo,
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
