Toxicité pulmonaire des particules issues de l’usure des pneus

Details

Supervisors

Huaux, François

Faculty

Faculté de pharmacie et des sciences biomédicales

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences pharmaceutiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enParticles generated by tire wear (Tire Wear Particles, TWPs) are an important source of air pollution related to road traffic. They contribute significantly to microplastic contamination and represent a growing share of non-exhaust emissions, raising concerns about their potential effects on respiratory health. This work is based on a recent review of the scientific literature addressing the pulmonary toxicity of tire wear particles. Available findings suggest that a fraction of TWPs can reach the deep regions of the lungs after inhalation. At this level, these particles come into direct contact with alveolar macrophages and pulmonary epithelial cells, triggering local biological responses such as inflammation and increased oxidative stress. These mechanisms are associated with toxic pulmonary effects, including cellular damage and disruption of the epithelial barrier. Several studies also report that repeated exposures may lead to structural changes in lung tissue consistent with fibrotic-type remodeling. Overall, the studies reviewed indicate that TWPs may pose a potential hazard to pulmonary function. However, human data remain limited, highlighting the need for further research, particularly studies focusing on chronic exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations, as well as epidemiological investigations, to better understand their impact on human health.