Toxic tire chemical threatens aquatic life and human health

In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the urgent need to address the environmental and health risks posed by six PPD, a chemical commonly used in tire manufacturing. Six PPD, which prevents tire cracking and blowouts, has been linked to severe ecological damage, particularly to aquatic life. When six PPD interacts with ozone, it transforms into six PPD quinone (six PPDQ), a substance identified as one of the most toxic chemicals to fish, including salmon and trout, even at low concentrations.

The meeting underscored the necessity for immediate action, with calls for the development of safer alternatives to six PPD and improved stormwater management to mitigate its environmental impact. Federal agencies, including the EPA and NOAA, are already collaborating with tribes and state governments to tackle this issue. Tribes have petitioned the EPA to ban the manufacturing and use of six PPD under the Toxic Substances Control Act, emphasizing the chemical's threat to treaty resources and local ecosystems.

Tracy Norberg, representing the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, acknowledged the critical role of six PPD in tire safety but affirmed the industry's commitment to finding viable alternatives. Norberg noted that while no commercially available substitutes currently meet safety and performance standards, a consortium of tire manufacturers is actively researching potential replacements. The industry has already screened over 60 alternatives, with seven identified for further evaluation.

Both industry representatives and government officials stressed the importance of a coordinated national effort to address the challenges posed by six PPD. They called for increased investment in research, the implementation of stormwater controls in transportation projects, and greater transparency regarding chemical use in tire manufacturing.

As the meeting concluded, participants expressed optimism about collaborative efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems while ensuring tire safety, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and action in the face of this pressing environmental issue.