More micro-rubber - released from vehicle tyre abrasion on roads - is released into the environment than micro-plastics in Switzerland, according to a study.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/ac
Português
pt
Cientistas alertam para ‘enorme’ poluição de borracha na Suíça
Researchers from the Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa) estimate that between 1988 and 2018, around 200,000 tons of rubber particles was released on Swiss roads, it was announced on WednesdayExternal link.
The vast majority (97%) comes from car and truck tyres that are worn down on roads while a small amount can be attributed to the removal of artificial turf. Around three-quarters of the rubber particles remains within an area 5 metres either side of the road. However, 20% is broken down into smaller particles and is washed into streams, rivers and lakes, and 5% infiltrates the soil. Another study showed that half of the polymer waste found in Lake Geneva comes from micro-rubber.
Anyone living or passing close to roads are at risk of inhaling fine rubber particles but the amount found in inhaled fine dust in locations close to traffic is low, according to Empa.
Since 2000, the Swiss authorities have invested in road wastewater treatment plants to try to deal with the problem.
But the biggest problem is the sheer quantity of rubber particles produced. Of the polymer-based micro-particles released into the environment micro-rubber accounts for 93% compared to just 7% for micro-plastics.
“The amount of micro-rubber in the environment is huge and therefore highly relevant,” says Bernd Nowack of Empa.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
This content was published on
There is no longer any danger of rockfall or landslide on the roads below the Graubünden village of Brienz, authorities say.
This content was published on
Europe’s biggest freshwater fish tastes better than its reputation, say fishermen in the French-speaking west of Switzerland.
Swiss authorities keep close eye on West Nile fever in Italy
This content was published on
Authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation after the death toll in Italy due to the disease has risen to seven.
Bern biodiversity project brings boost for forest bees
This content was published on
More sunlit areas in forests can boost the number of wild bees – both in overall terms and in terms of species diversity.
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Tonnes of plastic trash enter Lake Geneva every year
This content was published on
Every year around 50 tonnes of plastic end up in Lake Geneva, located between Switzerland and France, a new study has shown.
Tons of plastic released into environment every year
This content was published on
More than 5,000 tons of plastic get into the environment in Switzerland a year, a study has found, with soil more affected than water.
This content was published on
The water quality studyExternal link from the Federal Office for the EnvironmentExternal link (FOEN), released on Thursday, said groundwater faces the greatest pressures in areas of high farming activity. It stated that groundwater is currently safe to drink but argued for a range of measures to ensure that remains the case. The study measured water…
How Swiss businesses are fighting the plight of microplastics
This content was published on
Plastic is a problem for the environment also in areas where one would not suspect to find it. The Swiss industry is fighting back.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.