Tire and road wear particles (TRWP) are tiny particles that are produced by the necessary friction between tires and the road surface, often referred to as abrasion. TRWP have distinct characteristics. They are tiny, elongated particles typically measuring around 100 micrometers. Denser than water, TRWP are a mix of approximately half tire tread material and half road-pavement material.
We are science driven
Since 2005 we’ve supported research into the potential human health and environmental impacts of tires throughout their lifecycle. We commission independent research with the aim of publishing studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
TRWP is a relatively new field of research
Initial research has contributed to help answer questions about the physical and chemical characteristics of TRWP, their behavior in the environment, and their potential risk to human health and the environment.
An evolving scientific understanding
The peer-reviewed studies we have sponsored to date have found TRWP are unlikely to pose significant risk to human health and the environment; however, we are mindful of an evolving scientific understanding of TRWP, including some research that has reached different conclusions, so we continue to support independent research to improve the knowledge base.
To further knowledge, we continue to study the potential impacts of long-term exposure to TRWP, the degradation of TRWP in the environment and the presence, fate and transport of TRWP in air, soil, rivers, and oceans.
Discover more about our efforts to further scientific understanding of TRWP and promote mitigation action at www.tireparticles.info
