Vehicle tires contain the chemical 6PPD, which helps prevent degradation and cracking of rubber compounds. When 6PPD reacts with ozone in the air, it forms a transformation product called 6PPD-quinone, which has been shown to exhibit acute toxicity toward some aquatic life, including coho salmon.

EPA has developed an agencywide 6PPD/6PPD-quinone Action Plan that will focus and coordinate activities across EPA’s programs to provide support in 3 areas:  

  • Efforts to increase understanding of 6PPD-quinone through research, information gathering, and outreach.  
  • Efforts of states, Tribes, and territories to reduce the impacts of 6PPD-quinone. 

Innovation of effective interventions and alternatives that incorporate the best available science.