Tyre wear and tear is a significant source of microplastics in the environment, contributing 5–10% to the total amount of plastics entering oceans and 3–7% to PM2.5 in the air. The estimated per capita emission of tyre wear and tear ranges from 0.23 to 4.7 kg/year, with a global average of 0.81 kg/year. Tyre emissions are much higher than those from other sources like airplane tyres (2%), artificial turf (12–50%), brake wear (8%), and road markings (5%). Emissions and pathways depend on local factors such as road type and sewage systems. Tyre wear and tear particles enter the environment through air, water runoff, and the food chain, with potential health impacts yet to be fully understood. The study highlights the need for increased awareness, research on quantities and effects, and technical solutions to mitigate this issue. The review compiles fragmented knowledge on tyre wear characteristics, emissions, pathways, and effects, providing a global assessment of the implications for human health. The study estimates that tyre wear and tear contributes significantly to microplastic pollution, with varying results across countries. The total global emissions of tyre wear and tear are estimated to be around 5.9 million tonnes per year, with per capita emissions ranging from 0.23 kg/year in India to 4.7 kg/year in the USA. Tyre wear and tear is a stealthy source of microplastics that requires global efforts from all stakeholders to address effectively.Tyre wear and tear is a significant source of microplastics in the environment, contributing 5–10% to the total amount of plastics entering oceans and 3–7% to PM2.5 in the air. The estimated per capita emission of tyre wear and tear ranges from 0.23 to 4.7 kg/year, with a global average of 0.81 kg/year. Tyre emissions are much higher than those from other sources like airplane tyres (2%), artificial turf (12–50%), brake wear (8%), and road markings (5%). Emissions and pathways depend on local factors such as road type and sewage systems. Tyre wear and tear particles enter the environment through air, water runoff, and the food chain, with potential health impacts yet to be fully understood. The study highlights the need for increased awareness, research on quantities and effects, and technical solutions to mitigate this issue. The review compiles fragmented knowledge on tyre wear characteristics, emissions, pathways, and effects, providing a global assessment of the implications for human health. The study estimates that tyre wear and tear contributes significantly to microplastic pollution, with varying results across countries. The total global emissions of tyre wear and tear are estimated to be around 5.9 million tonnes per year, with per capita emissions ranging from 0.23 kg/year in India to 4.7 kg/year in the USA. Tyre wear and tear is a stealthy source of microplastics that requires global efforts from all stakeholders to address effectively.