Fuel emissions claim all of the attention when people worry about the many cars on the road and the dangers to our environment. But automobiles use and spew out much more than just CO2. There are many other materials from daily car operations that end up as tiny particles in our air. A number of them from metal and other component use, some quite toxic, have been understood by the manufacturers for some time. And, much has been done over the last years to reduce these pollutants significantly, including taking out asbestos and other known dangers from brake lining and the like. But tire wear remains a major source of pollution - one given little attention in spite of the dangers to our environment.
A Swedish study measuring emissions other than CO2 has concluded that manufacturers have reduced led and other metal emissions from brakes and related parts by 90% since the mid-1990's. On the other hand, the study notes that other metals (copper and zinc) remain discharged into the environment at the same levels. And, most importantly, tire wear is still a major source of pollution in urban areas.
Not only are tires made of petroleum, but their wear causes great harm to the air. It is time to give some serious attention to tire wear.
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