A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology has shed light on the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in the cabin air of automobiles.
In a concerning revelation, a recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology has shed light on the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in the cabin air of automobiles. Researchers analyzed 101 electric, gas, and hybrid cars manufactured between 2015 and 2022, uncovering alarming findings.
The study, which focused on the prevalence of flame retardants, highlighted that a staggering 99% of the vehicles examined contained TCIPP, a flame retardant currently under investigation by the US National Toxicology Program for its potential carcinogenic properties. Additionally, most cars harbored two more flame retardants, TDCIPP and TCEP, both known to be carcinogenic.
Scientists caution that exposure to these flame retardants poses not only cancer risks but also neurological and reproductive hazards. “Considering the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is a significant public health issue,” remarked lead researcher Rebecca Hoehn, a toxicology scientist at Duke University.
The concern is particularly poignant for individuals with longer commutes and child passengers, who are more vulnerable due to their increased intake of air.
The study pinpointed the summer months as the period when toxic flame retardant levels were most pronounced, attributing this escalation to the heightened release of chemicals from car materials induced by heat.
Seat foam emerged as the primary source of these cancer-causing compounds in the cabin air. Researchers underscored that car manufacturers incorporate these chemicals into seat foam and other materials to comply with an antiquated flammability standard devoid of proven fire-safety benefits.
Patrick Morrison, director of health, safety, and medicine for the International Association of Fire Fighters, expressed concern over the pervasive use of flame retardants.
He highlighted their potential contribution to the elevated cancer rates among firefighters, emphasizing the need for regulatory action. “Filling products with these harmful chemicals does little to prevent fires for most uses and instead makes the blazes smokier and more toxic,” Morrison asserted, urging the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to revise flammability standards accordingly.
Echoing Morrison’s sentiments, study author Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue at its root. She suggested practical measures such as opening car windows and parking in shaded areas or garages to mitigate exposure.
However, Jahl stressed that the ultimate solution lies in reducing the indiscriminate use of flame retardants in vehicles. “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 emphasized.
As the findings of this study reverberate, they underscore the imperative for regulatory bodies and manufacturers to prioritize public health and safety in automotive design and production. In the face of mounting evidence, concerted efforts are warranted to minimize exposure to cancer-causing chemicals chemicals and safeguard the well-being of commuters and passengers alike.