A recent study by researchers at EPFL and the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) has found that chemicals from tires are making their way into our food.
These tire additives, commonly used to make tires stronger and more durable, have been detected in various fruits and vegetables consumed in Switzerland.
However, scientists still don’t know what this means for our health, and more research is needed to understand the risks.
The study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, follows previous research from Austria that found similar additives in leafy vegetables.
The findings caused concern when reported in a Swiss magazine last year, prompting the FSVO to ask EPFL to investigate further.
Led by Florian Breider from EPFL’s Central Environmental Laboratory, the research team tested around 100 different fruits and vegetables from nine retailers, including major supermarkets and small local stores.
They tested both organic and conventional produce.
After thoroughly washing the produce and preparing the samples, the team checked for 11 chemicals typically used in tires.
They found that about 31% of the samples contained traces of these additives, such as 6-PPD and its byproduct, 6-PPD-quinone. Surprisingly, it didn’t matter whether the produce was organic or where it came from—all types were affected.
One of the most concerning aspects is that we don’t yet know how these chemicals affect human health. Studies on rodents have shown that some of these additives, like DPG, 6-PPD, and 6-PPD-quinone, can harm the nervous system and reduce fertility.
But since these findings are from animal studies, it’s unclear whether the same risks apply to humans. Scientists are now trying to understand how the human body processes these substances and whether they pose a real threat.
Tire additives end up in our food through a process that starts on the road. As tires wear down, they release tiny particles containing chemicals like antioxidants and vulcanizing agents, which make rubber stronger and more flexible.
These particles are released into the air, fall to the ground, and are carried by water.
People can breathe in these particles or ingest them through contaminated food. This exposure can happen even in rural areas, as studies have found these particles far from busy roads, including in mountain lakes.
While we don’t yet know whether tire additives in food are harmful, the findings raise questions about whether stricter regulations are needed.
Some scientists are already looking into ways to reduce contamination, such as making tires with less toxic chemicals or finding ways to clean roads more effectively.
Aggressive driving, like speeding and hard braking, also increases tire wear, releasing more particles into the environment.
Until researchers can better understand the health risks, the presence of tire additives in our food remains a concern.
Scientists are calling for further studies to determine whether these substances could harm humans and whether new manufacturing methods might reduce exposure. As the investigation continues, it’s clear that understanding how tire chemicals affect our health is more important than ever.
If you care about health, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
