LowEmissionAsphalt-136pg-WhitePaper-May2023

P a g e | 93 Microplastic Pollution Newer to the road-related environmental foray are microplastic contaminations, which are another PVI impact. Researchers now equate the extensive use of plastics as akin to creating a global “plastic cycle” on par to other critically human-intruded processes such as the carbon cycle. Because people breathe, eat and drink microplastic particles (MPP) , their rising levels are alarming given the associated health and ecological risks. What might surprise one is that as much as eighty-five percent (85%) 197 of the microplastics that end up in our environment come from roads and are a material contributor to poor air quality and oceanic contaminations. The culprit is cars and trucks as both tire and brake-pad wear are the significant contributors. Scientists have a name for roadway microplastic accumulations or “road -associated microplastic particles” aka RAMPs . Sometimes referred to as non-exhaust emissions (NEE), tire-wear particles (RAMP TWP ) are the largest source along with brake-pad wear (RAMP BPW ) debris and polymer modified asphalts (RAMP PMA ) also contributing. All adds new meaning to what happens when the rubber meets the road . Figure 59 – Global Plastic Production (MMt) Source: Frontiers in Environmental Science 197 Carrington D , Airborne plastic pollution ’spiraling around the globe,’ study finds, The Guardian , April 12, 2020.