Less polluting tyres

Publication date: 09 June 2005

The European Parliament adopted the report (A6-0104/2005) by Adamos Adamou on the marketing and use of certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in extender oils and tyres. MEPs endorsed the compromise package agreed between their representatives and the Council in order to conclude this dossier at the first reading stage. The new European directive intends to reduce the use of certain aromatic hydrocarbons in extender oils and tyres. Certain PAHs are carcinogenic, and mutagenic. Tyre tread, for example, contains up to 28 per cent of extender oils. These dangerous substances are released into the environment in the form of fine particles through tyre debris. From 2010, producers will have to apply new restrictive norms.

report_final_adamou_pah.pdf (118 KB)

Next step:
Adoption by Council

Related News Item:
Commission seeks to reduce air pollution from car tyres (13 February 2004)