People often drive cars without knowing that the materials used in manufacturing vehicles contain hazardous substances. A recent study has revealed that nearly all cars contain a hazardous substance that could pose a threat to human health, potentially leading to cancer.
In a study conducted by researchers from the United States and Canada, a total of 101 cars produced in America after 2015 were examined. The results showed that 99% of the vehicles contained a flame retardant called TCIPP, with most cars also having TCEP and other flame retardants.
Automobile manufacturers incorporate these compounds into car seats to meet safety standards for flame resistance. However, previous research has suggested that these chemicals may be carcinogenic and could harm the nervous and reproductive systems.
In this study, researchers conducted tests on half of the cars during both summer and winter. They found that in warmer temperatures, potentially harmful chemicals were more likely to leach out from the seats into the air. The test results indicated that the concentration of these chemicals in summer was 2 to 5 times higher than in winter.
Rebecca Hoehn, an environmental scientist at Duke University, stated, “Our research reveals that the interior materials of our cars release harmful chemicals into the air inside the vehicle.”
She emphasized that considering the average driver spends roughly an hour a day in their car, this is a significant public health concern. It is particularly worrisome for drivers with longer commutes or children onboard since children breathe in more air than adults at the same speed.
Patrick Morrison, the health and safety official of the International Association of Fire Fighters, expressed concerns that these flame retardants introduced in the 1970s to comply with the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have not been updated since. Morrison urged for revisions to the regulations on flame retardant use.
Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute and one of the authors of the study report, suggested that opening windows or parking in shaded areas could help reduce exposure to flame retardants inside the car. However, she emphasized that the most crucial step is to minimize the amount of flame retardants added to the interior of vehicles.
She said, “Commutes to work should not come with a risk of cancer, and children should not inhale chemicals that could harm their brains on their way to school.”