Kumivasteen

Kumivasteen is a term used in environmental science to describe the particles released from tires as they wear during vehicle movement. It refers to tire wear particles, which are considered a major source of microplastics in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. The concept is used to distinguish rubber-derived particles from other forms of plastic pollution and to study their environmental fate and effects.

Kumivasteen originates primarily from the abrading contact between the tire tread and road surface as vehicles accelerate, brake, and steer. The material in tire wear particles consists of natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black or other fillers, silica, and various additives such as antioxidants and processing oils. Particle sizes range from coarse fragments to submicron particles, with a substantial portion falling into the microplastic range. Tire wear also generates smaller particles that can become airborne or be transported by runoff.

In the environment, kumivasteen can be dispersed through air, surface runoff, and drainage systems. It may settle in soils, sediments, or freshwater bodies, and can be transported over long distances by wind or water. The persistence of tire wear particles, their potential to carry adsorbed pollutants, and their effects on organisms are active areas of study. Some research indicates possible impacts on aquatic invertebrates and microbial communities, while overall toxicity depends on concentration, particle size, and co-contaminants.

Regulatory and research efforts focus on reducing tire wear emissions, improving tire design for lower wear, and enhancing filtration and treatment in urban drainage to capture particles. Ongoing monitoring and standardized methodologies aim to clarify exposure, risk, and effective mitigation strategies.