Recent studies conducted by the San Francisco Estuary Institute reveal that 6PPD-Q, a toxic chemical released from car tires, is significantly polluting the San Francisco Bay. This chemical is so lethal to certain fish species that even a single drop can be fatal. Identified in the watershed approximately six years ago, 6PPD-Q has been implicated in the decline of Coho Salmon, a species already endangered in the Bay Area. Ezra Miller, a senior scientist at the institute, noted that fish kills and pre-spawn mortality events have been observed, raising concerns about the impact on sensitive species like Coho and Steelhead salmon. With the chemical accumulating around the Bay's shoreline, especially after winter storms, there is a pressing need for solutions. Miller suggests that eliminating 6PPD-Q from tires could be a long-term fix. California has begun regulating this chemical, which currently helps extend tire life, and efforts are underway to find safer alternatives that do not pose environmental risks.