A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology reveals findings about air quality inside cars, where drivers and passengers may be exposed to cancer-causing chemicals. The study, conducted in 30 states, examined the interior air of 101 electric, gas and hybrid vehicles from 2015 to 2022. Alarmingly, 99% of cars tested positive for TCIPP, a flame retardant currently being investigated by the U.S. National Toxicology Program for its potential carcinogenic properties. In addition, most vehicles contain two other flame retardants: TDCIPP and TCEP, both of which are carcinogenic.
Rebecca Hoehn, lead researcher and toxicology scientist at Duke University, emphasized the importance of the finding, saying: “Considering that drivers spend an average of approximately one hour a day in their vehicles, this is significant. Public health issue.” She further highlighted concerns about people with longer commutes and child passengers, who are particularly vulnerable due to higher inhalation rates. Studies show that levels of harmful flame retardants increase in the summer due to increased chemicals released by vehicle materials in response to high temperatures.
Researchers have found that seat foam is a major source of cancer-causing compounds in cabin air. Despite the progress, flame retardants added to meet safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the 1970s have remained unchanged, raising concerns about outdated regulations.
Patrick Morrison, director of health, safety and medical for the International Association of Firefighters, expressed concern about the role of flame retardants in exacerbating high rates of cancer among firefighters. “In most uses, filling products with these harmful chemicals does little to prevent fires and instead makes fires more smoky, smoky, and dangerous for victims, especially first responders,” Morrison said in a press release. More toxic.” He urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to revise its flammability standards to eliminate the need for flame-retardant chemicals in vehicles.
Researchers backed Morrison’s view, stressing that toxic flame retardants provide no real benefit when used in vehicles.
Study author Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute, suggested that individuals can take practical steps to minimize exposure to toxic flame retardants, such as opening car windows, parking in the shade or in the garage . However, she stressed the need to completely reduce the use of flame retardants in vehicles. “Commuting to and from get off work should not carry cancer risks, and children should not inhale chemicals that can damage their brains on their way to school,” Jarl said, stressing the urgency of regulatory action to mitigate the health risks associated with these chemicals.