A systematic review of the environmental and health effects of waste tires recycling.

OBJECTIVES

With approximately 1.5 billion tires produced annually, the management and disposal of waste tires pose significant environmental challenges worldwide. While tire recycling has the potential to mitigate some environmental issues, existing studies reveal notable gaps and associated risks to human health and the environment, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review.

METHODS

This study utilized primary search engines, including Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, in conjunction with relevant keywords, to identify pertinent studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Data and information regarding the application of waste tires in environmental and health-related contexts were systematically extracted.

RESULTS

Out of 1275 potential articles, 80 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The majority of these studies focused on the use of discarded tires in the construction sector, with 49 % specifically addressing their application in artificial turf fields.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive assessment of the health and environmental implications of various recycling methods is essential to determine their feasibility. The increasing utilization of recycled tires across diverse sectors raises new concerns that warrant such investigations. Understanding the health effects associated with recycled tire products can provide valuable insights for both researchers and policymakers.