Don’t get too comfortable in your car because you could be breathing in cancer-causing chemicals, reveals a study published in the scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology.
A cabin air analysis of electric, gas and hybrid cars manufactured between 2015 and 2022 showed that 99 per cent cars contained a flame retardant called TCIPP, currently being investigated by the US National Toxicology Programme as a potential carcinogen.
Fire retardants, usually found in car seat foam with no proven safety benefits, are composed of chemicals applied to materials to prevent burning or slow down the spread of fire.
The chemicals remain in the body or the environment for prolonged periods as they don’t break down easily and can be a health hazard.
Flame retardants TDCIPP and TCEP present in some cars were also said to be carcinogenic and linked to neurological and reproductive problems, researchers have said.
Rebecca Hoehn, a researcher from Duke University who led the study, said prolonged periods spent in a car, especially during commutes, could be a matter of concern.
Summer months could also pose a problem as the heat led to an increase in toxin levels released from chemicals in the retardants.
To stay safe it’s important for people to open doors and windows for some time before entering a car and in the summer ensure the vehicle is parked in the shade.
The researchers also urged car manufacturers to reduce amount of flame retardants in vehicles, laying emphasis on improving safety in vehicles, especially for children, who should not be exposed to cancer risks, they said.
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