“A critical step in understanding potential risks”

A recent study has discovered a disturbing problem of the chemicals of tires that leak into agricultural products.

What is happening?

A recent study It was published in the journal of dangerous materials that found that the additions used in the manufacture of tires were present in the common fruits and vegetables that were eaten in Switzerland. While more research is needed to understand the effects of human health, this discovery has been described as “a critical step in understanding the potential risks associated with these pollutants.”

As shown in a report issued by the Federal College of Politchik in Lausanne, which published it Phys.orgTires are often released “additives such as antioxidants and astronomical factors” that can make their way to cultivation after dispersion in the air and transported by surface flow water. In addition to inhaling these chemicals, humans are exposed to them by eating contaminated food, EPFL and the specified Swiss and veterinary safety office.

“Our exposure to these additions is similar to this for other precise materials,” said Florian Breider, who heads the Central Environmental Laboratory Research Group at EPFL, according to the university. a report. “They are constantly around us, in every part of our environment. What we do not know is whether we need to introduce more strict controls, such as gradual disposal of them in manufacturing tires in favor of less toxic alternatives.”

Why is this important?

As part of the studyScientists tested fruits and vegetables of 11 compounds usually present in tire additions and have found traces of these vehicles in 31 % of the samples. The origin of fruits and vegetables and whether organic did not make a difference in the results, which indicates the extent of exposure to the general public.

“Given that people’s meals are the same on a large scale throughout Western Europe, there is a good opportunity because these results represent the exposure of consumers in neighboring countries,” said Prader at EPFL. a report.

This is another growing concern for crops around the world. Many people realize the issue of fruits and vegetables that are covered in pesticides. Although they are useful to protect crops, pesticides can have harmful effects and can increase the risk of major health problems such as cancer and diabetes.

The health effects of tire additives are still explored, but any chemical exposure is worrying.

“We do not know how these compounds are met by the human body,” Brider He said In the EPFL report. “It is something we need to explore because we are all exposed to these vehicles – especially people in certain population groups, such as road workers.”

What can be done about this?

According to EPFL a reportScientists in China are also looking into the subject and their testing of the presence of tire additives in human blood samples and urine samples. Scientists in Switzerland take the broader approach of “exploring the methods through which ways can be polished to prevent tire additions from entering the environment.”

You can reduce exposure to chemicals in different ways. Cooking at home As much as possible, Using less plastic fillingAnd Develop your products They are simple measures that you can take to protect yourself. by Increased consumer awareness From these dangers, more people can Click on companies To gradually get rid of dangerous materials.

Join the free newsletter for easy advice Keep and Less lostAnd do not miss This wonderful list In easy ways to help yourself with the help of the planet.