Overview
- France Nature Environnement unveiled an exploratory investigation finding tire microplastics and additives in lake water, sediments, air, tap water and human urine, with samples collected in March–April 2025 and analyzed by NIVA and EPFL.
- All tested lake waters contained DPG and traces of 6PPD, and 6PPD‑Q on the west shore reached levels comparable to highly polluted rivers near Canton, China.
- Urine testing of 35 volunteers detected 16 tire additives, with DPG present in 37% of samples.
- The mayor of Annecy has asked for population studies and a PFAS‑style monitoring committee, and he and two local deputies have written to the prefect to coordinate next steps.
- Investigators tie the contamination to runoff from heavily trafficked roads without stormwater filtration, and FNE is urging filtration of road runoff, tire abrasion labeling, industry transparency and a polluter‑pays approach.