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Science X's Phys.org site describes a report about the harm from tire particles, which account for about a third of all microplastic contamination in the environment. Unlike other types of plastic, tire particles are smaller, have greater chemical complexity, and different behavior in ecosystems. Thus the call is for them to be placed in a new, separate enviromental category.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Research, highlights the gap in current knowledge about the environmental presence, transportation, and toxic impact of these particles. The authors have identified ten priority research questions across four key themes: environmental detection, chemical composition, biotic impacts, and regulation.
The research brought together an interdisciplinary network of experts from countries including the U.K., U.S., Norway, Australia, South Korea, Finland, Austria, China, and Canada. Their findings underscore the need for a standardized framework to quantify and manage TPs and their leachates, especially as the global presence of these contaminants rises.
A second study is being carried out on the effects from tire chemicals and particles on marine life in UK waters.
(Score: 5, Interesting) by JoeMerchant on Thursday November 21, @03:17PM
But they are so much FUN! And we have voted with our wallets to build beautiful smooth roads for them to drive on - the average US citizen pays more in taxes for roads than they accumulate equity in their home before they die.
Automobiles are just one step removed from exo-skeleton super-power suits for their drivers. Ever notice that most traffic jams are filled with single-driver vehicles? No coincidence, passengers aren't getting that juiced up rush of being able to run 10x faster while protected from weather, insects, direct communication with other people - provided with entertainment...
Addiction to automobiles is probably a significant factor in the declining birth rates among wealthy nations... although now that 3 row SUVs are becoming the norm, there's not so much: oh, let's stop at two kids, there's not room in the car for a third one...
When Skynet comes, it will probably seize control of the vehicular infrastructure first - how better to cripple h. sapiens in the modern world than to make them all walk?
🌻🌻🌻 [google.com]