4.13 | In the neighborhood and out to sea: Shedding light on tire wear microplastics
Kelly Moran , Susanne Brander , Barbara Beckingham , Jenifer McIntyre
Every vehicle on the road sheds tiny particles from its rubber tires. These tire wear particles disperse into air, soil, stormwater and surface waters, and organisms in nearly every part of the world. Tires are composed of elastomer polymers (natural and/or synthetic) mixed with other potentially toxic agents and additives. Tire particles in the micro- and nano scales (‘microrubber’ and ‘nanorubber’) can be difficult to detect and identify using commonly available analytical methods. Emerging concerns about the scale and extent of environmental loading and their implications for human and ecological health have fueled investigations of tire microparticles and associated chemical transport, chemistry, occurrence, and toxicity in organisms and environmental compartments. Obtaining a complete understanding of the ecological importance of tire wear particles requires engagement of experts from multiple scientific disciplines. Chemical analysis has identified potentially toxic tire ingredients and transformation products in leachates and environmental media. Toxicologists have examined physical and chemical toxicity of particles and leachates. Environmental monitoring has detected tire particles in air, terrestrial and aquatic environments, and organisms. Air and water quality modelers have explored tire particle and tire-related chemical fate and transport in the environment. Research into management measures like on-vehicle collection systems, stormwater runoff treatment, and alternatives for toxic ingredients has begun. This session aims to present the latest environmental science on the subject of tire wear particles and associated chemicals, broadly defined across size fractions and tire composition, including detection, characterization, fate, transport, toxicity, risk assessment and development of science-based management responses. Goals of this session are to share perspectives and integrate information on science and policy from academia, industry, and governmental/non-governmental organizations and to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
5.13 | Microplastics in the Environment and Risk Assessment: A One-Health Perspective
Mark Williams , Susanne Brander , Stacey Harper , Mark Surette
Plastic products are ubiquitous, and their environmental persistence is problematic. Single use plastic bags (polyethylene) or food containers (polystyrene) are among the widest used products. Fugitive plastics become brittle and susceptible to mechanical breakdown, ultimately producing microplastics and nanoplastics that are now ubiquitous in the air and terrestrial and aquatic or marine environments. An emerging concern is that micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can release acquired chemicals from the production process, or they can adsorb environmental pollutants, including metals, organics and potential pathogens, thus acting as vectors for chemical and infectious disease exposures. Both vertebrates and invertebrates internalize MNPs and emerging evidence points to both bioaccumulation and adverse effects on wildlife and humans and potential impacts on commercial fisheries – thus representing a truly One Health concern. The assessments of potential risks of MNPs to ecology and human health are emerging and rapidly developing fields. Moreover, exposure is likely to arise from inhalation and/or ingestion pathways in humans, which potentially might directly exacerbate pulmonary or gastrointestinal disease. Health effects could also be provoked indirectly by MNP acting as carriers of other environmental toxicants and pollutants, representing a significant data gap. While no actual and formal risk assessment is yet available for MNPs, the EPA has concluded that the development of reliable, reproducible, and high quality methods for MP quantification is paramount to understanding the health risks. In this special session, subject matter experts will critically review the state of the science on understanding environmental MNP exposure and their potential impact on ecology and human health from a One Health perspective. These reviews will include discussion of emerging understanding of exposure pathways and toxicological and biological mechanisms, recent advances in the risk analysis and MNP toxicity assessment, emerging mitigation efforts, and advances in identifying sustainable alternatives using “green chemistry” approaches.
23 February: Session proposal submission deadline
6 April: SETAC North America grants open
6 April: Abstract submission opens
1 May: Side event proposal deadline
15 April: Professional training course proposals due
2 June: Abstract submission deadline (free)
2 June: SETAC North America grants (students) deadline
9 June: Abstract submission deadline ($50 fee)
9 June: SETAC North America grants (professionals) deadline
13 July: Registration opens
17 August: Early bird registration deadline
3 August: Late-breaking science abstract submission opens ($50 fee)
21 September: Pre-registration deadline
6 October: Late-breaking science abstract submission deadline
12 October: Registration cancellation deadline
12 October: Deadline for presenters to register to be included in the program
19 October: Online registration closes
2 November: Presentations uploaded (5:00 p.m. ET)
