A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology has raised concerns about the quality of air we breathe inside our cars. Researchers found that alarming levels of potentially cancer-causing chemicals were present in the cabin air of a vast majority of vehicles tested.
The study, conducted across 30 US states, examined cabin air quality in 101 cars – electric, gas, and hybrid models from 2015 to 2022. The results were alarming: a staggering 99% of the cars contained a flame retardant called tris(chloropropyl)phosphate (TCIPP). This chemical is particularly concerning because it's currently under investigation by the U.S. National Toxicology Program as a potential carcinogen, meaning it may cause cancer. The majority of cars also included two more flame retardants, TCEP and TDCIPP, all of which are known to cause cancer.
“Considering the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is a significant public health issue,” said lead researcher Rebecca Hoehn, a toxicology scientist at Duke University. She further highlighted the vulnerability of people who spend extended periods in their cars, such as those with long commutes. Children are also at particular risk due to their higher inhalation rates. Additionally, the researchers found that exposure to these chemicals may be worse during hot summer months, as heat increases their release from car materials.
Researchers have pinpointed seat foam as the main origin of cancer-causing substances in car cabin air. Flame retardants initially incorporated to comply with safety guidelines from the 1970s set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, have persisted without updates, prompting worries over obsolete regulations.
The efficacy of the chemicals was exaggerated back then, and their toxicity wasn't comprehended. “Flame retardants do little to prevent fires for most uses and instead makes the blazes smokier and more toxic for victims, and especially for first responders," said Patrick Morrison, director of the International Association of Fire Fighters’ safety division.
"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.
Lydia Jahl, study author and senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute suggested some steps you can take to minimize your risk:
- Park in shade or well-ventilated areas whenever possible.
- Limit time spent in parked cars, especially on hot days.
- Consider using seat covers and other car interior accessories made from natural materials.
- Maintain proper ventilation by opening windows regularly, especially during short trips.
"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.
