Car Tire Residue Contamination Found in Swiss Vegetables

Federal study reveals chemical additives from tire production detected in one-third of tested vegetables, raising food safety concerns.

Chemical additives from tire production were found in one-third of tested vegetables in Switzerland
The study tested around 100 samples of common vegetables from Switzerland, Italy, Spain and France
Tires are responsible for approximately 90% of microplastic pollution
The exact mechanism of pollutant transfer to plants remains unclear but likely involves water and soil pathways

33%

Vegetables containing tire-related chemical additives

90%

Proportion of microplastic pollution caused by tires

40-90%

Salmon mortality rate in urban waterways linked to tire chemical 6PPD

"The impact of these pollutants on human health remains poorly researched"
— Research finding

Swiss Study Reveals Tire Contamination in Vegetables

Chemical additives from tire production were found in one-third of tested vegetables in Switzerland
The study tested around 100 samples of common vegetables from Switzerland, Italy, Spain and France
Tires are responsible for approximately 90% of microplastic pollution
The exact mechanism of pollutant transfer to plants remains unclear but likely involves water and soil pathways