health
February 2, 2026
Is tyre pollution causing mass deaths in vulnerable salmon populations?
A US judge will decide if, as research suggests, a chemical tyre additive is harming endangered fish species
TL;DR
- A US judge is reviewing evidence on whether 6PPD-quinone, a chemical found in car tires, is responsible for mass deaths of endangered coho salmon.
- Scientists suspect storm runoff containing 6PPD-quinone, an oxidation product of the tire additive 6PPD, is causing "urban runoff mortality syndrome" in salmon.
- Environmental groups and fishermen, represented by Earthjustice, have filed a lawsuit against tire manufacturers, claiming violations of the Endangered Species Act.
- The plaintiffs argue that just one car's tires could produce enough 6PPD-quinone to kill millions of salmon.
- The defense contends that the scientific evidence is "limited and speculative," that 6PPD-quinone degrades quickly, and that 6PPD is essential for tire safety with no "suitable alternative" currently available.
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