Microplastics from tyres and roads which end up in the ocean make up 89% of ultra fine particles found in the air around busy motorways
- Harmful particles from tyre tread and brake systems were pulled from the air
- Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania analysed 500 particles
- Microplastics end up in the ocean causing damage to vulnerable ecosystems
- Previous research estimated that 30% of ocean microplastics come from tyres
Vehicles pose a more serious threat to the environment than just their CO² emissions and lead to more plastic in the ocean, a new study has found.
Researchers discovered that microplastics from tires and brake pads made up 89 per cent of particles pulled from the air around busy motorways.
Experts made the finding by analysing more than 500 small particles detected above three German highways.
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![Vehicles pose a more serious threat to the environment than just their CO² emissions and lead to more plastic in the ocean. Researchers discovered that microplastics from tires and brake pads made up 89 per cent of particles pulled from the air (stock image)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/11/13/15/6134644-6384713-image-a-15_1542123926129.jpg)
Vehicles pose a more serious threat to the environment than just their CO² emissions and lead to more plastic in the ocean. Researchers discovered that microplastics from tires and brake pads made up 89 per cent of particles pulled from the air (stock image)
Researchers found the particles get blown in the wind and washed by rain into waterways that lead to the ocean - causing devastating effects to the ecosystem and animals.
It was previously thought that an estimated 30 per cent of the volume of microplastics polluting oceans, lakes and rivers come from tire wear.
Particulate matter is made up of solid and liquid particles - many of which are hazardous - which are suspended in air.
The complex mixture includes both organic and inorganic particles, including dust, pollen, soot, smoke and liquid droplets.
The study was conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, who presented their findings at the Geological Society of Indianapolis.
The effects on the health of human beings, other living creatures and the wider environment has not been fully investigated yet.
![Experts made the finding by analysing more than 500 small particles detected above three German highways. The particulate matter, made up of the airborne microplastic pollution from tyres and brake pads, gets blown in the wind and eventually ends up in the ocean (stock image)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/11/13/15/6134642-6384713-image-a-16_1542123955464.jpg)
Experts made the finding by analysing more than 500 small particles detected above three German highways. The particulate matter, made up of the airborne microplastic pollution from tyres and brake pads, gets blown in the wind and eventually ends up in the ocean (stock image)
However, experts agree that the effects of inhalation of particulate matter can include asthma, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and birth defects.
The team figured out what each particle was by examining them under an electron microscope and running the results through chemical analysis.
Environmental scientist Reto Gieré, who led the research, said: 'We all want to reduce CO² emissions from vehicle exhausts but you can't stop tire abrasion.'
The researchers found that traffic congestion makes the problem worse as people are using their brakes pads more.
Where there was a constant flow of traffic, the vehicles produced fewer particles.
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