A Cancer Risk and Public Health Concern: Car Cabin Air Contaminants
News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/13th May 2024
Recent research has unveiled a disturbing reality: the air inside cars, where people spend a considerable amount of time, contains cancer-causing chemicals. Published in Environmental Science & Technology, the study analyzed the cabin air of 101 electric, gas, and hybrid cars manufactured between 2015 and 2022. Shockingly, researchers discovered that a staggering 99% of these cars contained a flame retardant known as TCIPP, which is currently under investigation as a potential carcinogen by the US National Toxicology Program. Additionally, most cars harbored two more flame retardants, TDCIPP and TCEP, both recognized as carcinogenic substances. These findings raise significant concerns about public health and safety.
Lead researcher Rebecca Hoehn, a toxicology scientist at Duke University, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Considering the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is a significant public health issue.” She further highlighted the heightened risk for individuals with longer commutes and child passengers, who inhale a larger volume of air relative to their body weight.
Moreover, the study revealed that toxic flame retardant levels were particularly elevated during the summer months. This phenomenon can be attributed to increased heat, which accelerates the release of chemicals from car materials. The primary source of these cancer-causing compounds in the cabin air was identified as seat foam. Car manufacturers incorporate these chemicals into seat foam and other materials to meet outdated flammability standards, despite the lack of proven fire safety benefits.
Patrick Morrison, director of health, safety, and medicine for the International Association of Fire Fighters, expressed concern regarding the adverse effects of flame retardants. He noted that firefighters, who are frequently exposed to smoke during rescue operations, face elevated cancer risks due to these chemicals. Morrison emphasized the urgent need for the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to revise flammability standards to eliminate the use of flame retardant chemicals in vehicles.
The researchers underscored that these toxic flame retardants provide little to no real benefit inside vehicles. Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute and one of the study authors, suggested potential strategies for reducing exposure to these harmful chemicals. She recommended opening car windows, parking in shaded areas, or garages to mitigate exposure. However, Jahl stressed that the ultimate solution lies in reducing the amount of flame retardants added to cars altogether. She asserted, “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.”
In conclusion, the findings of this research shed light on a pressing public health concern: the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in car cabin air. Immediate action is warranted to address this issue and safeguard the health and well-being of individuals, particularly those spending extended periods inside vehicles. From revising industry standards to implementing mitigation measures, concerted efforts are needed to mitigate the risks posed by toxic flame retardants in car interiors.
