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.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Nearly one in two bicycles sold in Switzerland is an e-bike
This content was published on
In 2024, almost every second bicycle sold in Switzerland was an e-bike. Overall, around 14% fewer bikes were sold than in the previous year.
Over 200 Swiss firms sign up to CO2 reduction targets
This content was published on
To date, 237 companies from Switzerland have joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), committing to CO2 reduction targets in line with the Paris Accord.
Geneva-based UN migration office cuts fifth of workforce
This content was published on
The UN's International Organisation for Migration HQ in Geneva is slashing 20% of its 1,000 staff due to the US aid freeze.
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.