Although plastic particles in the air are increasingly coming into focus, knowledge about their distribution and effects is still limited. Chemical analyses from Leipzig now provide details from Germany for the first time: Around 4% of the particulate matter consists of plastic. Around two-thirds of this comes from tire abrasion.

Although plastic particles in the air are increasingly coming into focus, knowledge about their distribution and effects is still limited. Chemical analyses from Leipzig now provide details from Germany for the first time: Around 4% of the particulate matter consists of plastic. Around two-thirds of this comes from tire abrasion.

Extrapolated, this means that people in a city like Leipzig inhale approximately 2.1 micrograms of plastic per day through the air, which increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 9% and from lung cancer by 13%

  • 18107@aussie.zoneEnglish
    64·
    2 days ago

    Most EVs have a comparable weight to ICE cars, maybe slightly higher. Modern cars have been getting much bigger and much heavier overall (thanks America), so the EV battery weight barely makes a difference in comparison.

    An EV is still better overall than a combustion car, and no car is still better than an EV.

    Personally, I’d like to see everyone driving their own trams everywhere. No tire particulates at all. Ignoring all possible downsides, it’s the best option out there.