Car Tire Chemicals Linked to Salmon Decline, Potential Human Health Risks

Fast Summary

• Scientists have identified 6PPD-quinone,a chemical derived from tire particles,as the cause of high mortality rates in coho salmon after heavy rains in washington’s streams.
• 6PPD is used globally in tires to prevent degradation; its breakdown product, 6PPD-quinone, is toxic to various fish species and found in human blood and urine.
• coho salmon exposed to this chemical die within hours, showing symptoms like erratic swimming and gasping for air.
• Research shows the chemical has spread worldwide via stormwater runoff and atmospheric dispersion.
• Alternatives to 6PPD are being studied but come with environmental uncertainties. efforts at soil filtration systems show promise but lack widespread funding.
• Lawsuits and petitions seek regulatory action against tire manufacturers over the use of 6PPD under laws like the Endangered Species Act.

Images provided include:

1. A female coho salmon guarding her nest (redd) in Oregon’s Thompson Creek.
2. Discarded tires polluting Seattle’s Duwamish River.
3. A fire at Europe’s largest tire landfill releasing toxic fumes.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

While this issue unfolds primarily in Washington state, it highlights how industrial practices worldwide can affect ecosystems far removed from their origin point-a cautionary tale for India as its urbanization accelerates. In India, whose reliance on vehicular transport grows annually, awareness about microplastic pollution and potential chemicals such as 6PPD is critical.

India possesses similarly ecologically fragile water bodies heavily impacted by urban runoff-like the Ganga or backwaters of Kerala-affecting aquatic biodiversity reliant on these ecosystems for survival. Lessons can be drawn from this case to incorporate proactive measures such as ecological research into industrial chemicals used domestically or stricter environmental policy enforcement regarding stormwater management.

Investing early into replacing harmful substances with safer alternatives could save future costs related to aquatic life conservation while maintaining adherence to sustainable development goals locally and globally.