People who spend time in their cars are unknowingly exposed to cancer-causing chemicals present in the cabin air. A recent study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, analyzed the air quality inside 101 electric, gas, and hybrid cars manufactured between 2015 and 2022. The findings reveal that nearly 99% of these vehicles contained a flame retardant called TCIPP, currently under investigation by the US National Toxicology Program as a potential carcinogen. Additionally, most cars harbored two more flame retardants—TDCIPP and TCEP—both considered carcinogenic. These toxic compounds are not only harmful to human health but also pose risks to neurological and reproductive systems.
The Silent Threat Lurking in Car Interiors
Flame Retardants: A Hidden Danger
Flame retardants are commonly added to car interiors, including seat foam and other materials, to meet outdated flammability standards. However, these chemicals offer no proven fire-safety benefit. The study highlights that the average driver spends approximately an hour in their car daily, making this exposure a significant public health concern. Longer commutes and child passengers, who breathe more air pound for pound than adults, are particularly at risk.
Summer Heat Amplifies Toxic Release
The research found that toxic flame retardants reached their highest levels during the summer months. As temperatures rise, the release of chemicals from car materials intensifies. The primary source of these cancer-causing compounds is the seat foam, where manufacturers incorporate flame retardants to meet outdated safety standards. Unfortunately, these chemicals do little to prevent fires and instead contribute to smokier and more toxic blazes, affecting victims and first responders.
Urgent Calls for Change
Reconsidering Safety Standards
Patrick Morrison, director of health, safety, and medicine for the International Association of Fire Fighters, emphasizes the need for change. He urges the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to update flammability standards to exclude flame retardant chemicals from vehicles. Firefighters, who face elevated cancer risks, express concern about the impact of these chemicals on their health. The focus should shift toward safer alternatives that do not compromise fire safety.
Practical Measures to Reduce Exposure
While opening car windows and parking in the shade or garages can help reduce exposure to toxic flame retardants, the real solution lies in minimizing the use of these chemicals in car manufacturing. Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute, emphasizes the importance of reducing flame retardant additives in vehicles. By doing so, we can protect both drivers and passengers from unnecessary health risks.
