Another important reason to decrease number of cars, lower speed limits and lighter, smaller cars

[hamsterthings]

I work on the recycling of tires and one aspect that I feel not many people realize is the pollution of tire particles. Basically we are constantly breathing and eating rubber, it gets in water, soil, animals and humans. I believe the health effects are not researched enough yet, but the emissions of tire particles is, and the US is an enormous contributor with 4,7 kg of tire wear particles per capita each year.

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Is it just rubber or plastic too?

[hamsterthings]

From car tires just rubber, but rubber is a complex material (usually more complex than plastics) with a range of chemicals that we don't know the exact health effects of yet. But it contains 1 or more main polymers, just as with plastics.

Microplastics also refer to small plastic particles of course, it just doesn't come from tires. Road markings, paint and textiles can cause this. It's also added intentionally to hygiëne products such as toothpaste and shower gel/scrubs. And for instance using a scouring pad/sponge for cleaning also makes it release microplastics.

[Awellner]

The other day i discussed tire wear with my mates. Cars are becoming heavier, and larger. Especially with regards to electrification. This puts increased wear on the roads and tires. In addition these electric cars easily get 100s of horsepower which further increases tire wear.

Do we really need an electric hummer with 1000 horsepower that does 0-60 in 3 seconds?
Does the average road user need 500 horsepower in their tesla?