Drivers are inhaling Cancer-causing chemicals in their cars.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology has uncovered a concerning reality about cancer-causing chemicals in cars, potentially endangering the health.
Conducted by researchers who analyzed the cabin air of 101 electric, gas, and hybrid cars manufactured between 2015 and 2022, the study revealed alarming levels of flame retardants, with 99% of cars containing TCIPP—a flame retardant under investigation by the US National Toxicology Program for its potential carcinogenic properties.
Additionally, most cars tested positive for two other flame retardants, TDCIPP and TCEP, both considered carcinogenic and linked to neurological and reproductive harms.
Lead researcher Rebecca Hoehn, a toxicology scientist at Duke University, emphasized the significance of these findings, particularly for individuals with longer commutes and child passengers who may be more vulnerable due to increased exposure.
“Considering the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is a significant public health issue,” said Rebecca Hoehn, lead researcher and toxicology scientist at Duke University, according to People.
“It’s particularly concerning for drivers with longer commutes as well as child passengers, who breathe more air pound for pound than adults,” she added.
Hoehn highlighted the concerning reality that these toxic flame retardants, primarily sourced from seat foam, pose a significant public health issue, with potentially severe consequences for those regularly exposed to them.
The study further revealed that levels of these harmful compounds were highest during the summer months, attributed to increased heat exacerbating the release of chemicals from car materials.
Car manufacturers, adhering to what the researchers deemed an “outdated” flammability standard, add these chemicals to seat foam and other materials, despite lacking proven fire-safety benefits.
Patrick Morrison, director of health, safety, and medicine for the International Association of Fire Fighters, expressed concern over the contribution of flame retardants to the high cancer rates among firefighters.
“Firefighters are concerned that flame retardants contribute to their very high cancer rates. Filling products with these harmful chemicals does little to prevent fires for most uses and instead makes the blazes smokier and more toxic for victims, and especially for first responders”.
“I urge NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to update their flammability standard to be met without flame retardant chemicals inside vehicles,” he added.
Morrison urged the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to update flammability standards to eliminate the need for flame retardant chemicals in vehicles, emphasizing the potential for these chemicals to make fires smokier and more toxic, especially for first responders.
Echoing Morrison’s sentiments, study author Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute, emphasized the urgent need to reduce the use of flame retardants in cars.
While suggesting practical measures such as opening windows and parking in shaded areas to mitigate exposure, Jahl stressed that the ultimate solution lies in reducing the quantity of flame retardants added to vehicles.
“But what’s really needed is reducing the amount of flame retardants being added to cars in the first place. Commuting to work shouldn’t come with a cancer risk, and children shouldn’t breathe in chemicals that can harm their brains on their way to school,” she added.
As drivers are inhaling Cancer-causing chemicals in their cars, advocacy efforts are underway to push for regulatory reform and safer manufacturing practices within the automotive industry.
Collaboration between regulatory agencies, car manufacturers, and advocacy groups is crucial to addressing this public health concern and ensuring the safety of all individuals who spend time in vehicles.
