5 May 2023 news
After more than 6 years, research efforts on the toxicity of car tire rubber granulate commonly used on artificial football fields start to bear fruit. Several EU countries voted 'yes' on the proposal to restrict microplastics that are intentionally added to products. Akvaplan-niva, together with research collaborators at NILU and SINTEF Ocean in the Fram Centre, has investigated the chemical composition and toxicity of these microplastics in several projects. Thanks to broad scientific dissemination and dedicated outreach activities, the issue has been put up high on the political agenda. Brussel's proposal is thus a big leap forward, even though it allows continued use of rubber granulate for a transition period of 8 years. The proposal will now be scrutinized in the European Parliament and the Council for 3 months, before it can be adopted by the Commission.
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