Brakes are iron and copper, the latter is an environmental contaminant. But tires pollute zinc and a hundred other petrochemicals. One is causing big problems with fish - 6PPD, but there are likely others causing yet unseen damage. Between the two brake dust seems more manageable in stormwater.

But they increase particulate tire dust due to being heavier.

The news is primarily billionaire propaganda. It does not add value to your life. When it’s important you’ll hear about it, and then you can read up. You don’t have to be the first to know. Nothing bad will happen to you for being less informed.