Final answer:
Improperly discarded tires pose an environmental risk by increasing fire hazards due to their flammability and difficulty in extinguishing. This can lead to the release of toxic smoke and contribute to other environmental issues such as groundwater contamination and reduced land availability for environmentally beneficial uses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discarded tires can accumulate water, providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes that can spread diseases. Moreover, tire piles can catch fire easily and are difficult to extinguish, releasing toxic smoke that contributes to air pollution and poses a health risk. Furthermore, large stacks of tires are visually unappealing and can accumulate on land, taking up space that could be used for other, environmentally beneficial purposes. Environmental justice is the equal sharing of Earth's resources, and the disposal of waste, including tires, should adhere to practices that ensure environmental sustainability and equity. Traditional means of waste disposal, like landfills and incineration, both have significant drawbacks, such as groundwater contamination and air pollution. Finally, the disposal of tires must be managed carefully, taking into consideration the precautionary principle which suggests proceeding cautiously when the effects of an activity on the environment are not fully understood. Improper management may exacerbate hazards, such as increased fire risk, and contribute to environmental degradation.