THE COOLDOWN – A recent study found high levels of two potentially deadly chemicals in human urine.
The study sampled the urine of 150 people and had “detection frequencies between 60% and 100%” of chemical 6PPD and 6PPD-Q, which are rubber additives commonly used in tires.
The long-term effects of 6PPD in humans hasn’t been extensively studied, but what’s clear to researchers is that 6PPD’s source — tire-based pollution — is a big problem.
It’s not easy to be exact, but studies estimate that tires create anywhere from 10-28% of the world’s microplastic pollution, according to National Geographic. These particles don’t just disappear — they end up in our water, our soil, and our bodies.
Why are these findings important?
As tires degrade, microplastic “tire dust” and toxic chemicals are released into the air.
These tiny particles can easily invade waterways, with well-researched detrimental impacts on marine life …
