A recent study conducted by researchers with the University of Vienna and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has found tire-derived compounds in leafy greens samples, indicating that chemicals in tires are taken up by crops.

Particles from tires and road wear are significant contributors to the abundance of microplastics entering the environment. In fact, estimates of tire and road wear particle emissions range widely, from 0.9 to 2.5 kilograms (kg) per capita per year, which corresponds to between 24 percent and 94 percent of total microplastics emissions. Moreover, tire and road wear particles have been estimated to contain 5–10 percent organic and inorganic additives by weight, for many of which toxicity has been established. Despite its prevalence, tire and road wear particle pollution is still poorly understood.