We are all aware of exhaust pollution, but now we have tire and brake dust pollution! Read this article posted on Jalopnik: "Research scientists are sounding the alarm in the Pacific Northwest after this month’s “atmospheric river” drenched much of the state’s roads, sending brake and tire dust into rivers, streams and, eventually, the Pacific Ocean. We all know the exhaust from our cars is bad for our health and the environment, but dust from tire and brake wear is just as damaging. California experienced heavy storms in the early half of January, which sent heavily polluted runoff from the roads to the waterways. Tire dust accounts for 6 million tons of micro-pollutants each year, current estimates suggest. With such a mass of material it’s not just salmon which are threatened by chemicals in tire dust. And it’s almost certainly not just 6PPD-Quinone we have to worry about. California’s Department of Toxic Substance Control is also investigating six other harmful chemicals found in tires. 6PPD-Quinone is considered the “low hanging fruit” of researchers investigating tire dust’s impact on the environment, Forbes reports. Tires contain all sorts of heavy metals, chemicals and synthetic compounds, the effects of which on humans and their environment are not completely understood. Though found in its highest concentrations in runoff water, according to a study published in Environment International, tire dust can be fine enough to be inhaled as well. The Union For Concerned Scientists found cars, trucks and buses are a significant source for some of the pollution most harmful to human health — particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, or PM 2.5: While PM2.5 is not the only air pollutant that adversely affects health, it is estimated to be responsible for approximately 95 percent of the global public health impacts from air pollution. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 causes increased death rates attributed to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, and has been linked to other adverse impacts such as lung cancer. Chronic exposure to PM2.5 in children has also been linked to slowed lung-function growth, development of asthma, and other negative health impacts. The coming age of EVs will only make things worse as the heavier cars are harder on consumer tires and brakes. While there are some companies experimenting with do-dads that scoop up tire particulate or create tires with less shedding, those solutions are worthless without some serious legislation and regulation. Tire manufactures have known about the 6PPD-Quinone problems for years and are still sitting on their hands when it comes to finding a solution."
Like the Blackadder episode with the King's officer coming to the public town square in medieval times "Allright, who (did this crime?)" From all the way across the square some random dude "Oh! I didn't!" Blackadder immediately commands Baldric, "Arrest that man!" In that vein, who cares? "OH, I don't!" (raises hand like the peasant in the play.)
According to California there is nothing on Planet Earth that is not harmful to your health or the environment . I'm tired of listening to all their stupid BS!
In cities where stop lights are a plenty, time them so you don't have to stop every block or two. That wastes gas and hard on brakes and tires.
I do try to glide up to intersections in a green-light-hitting fashion as opposed to the scram and screech method of leaping from one red light to the next like a rabbit jacked up on coffee cherries.
