A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology has unveiled concerning findings regarding cancer-causing chemicals present in car cabin air. Researchers analyzed the cabin air of 101 electric, gas, and hybrid cars from model years between 2015 and 2022. They discovered that 99% of the cars contained TCIPP, a flame retardant under investigation by the US National Toxicology Program for its potential carcinogenicity. Additionally, most cars were found to have two more flame retardants, TDCIPP and TCEP, both considered carcinogenic and linked to neurological and reproductive harms.
Lead researcher Rebecca Hoehn, a toxicology scientist at Duke University, emphasized the significance of the findings, particularly for drivers with longer commutes and child passengers who are more vulnerable due to increased air intake. The study noted that toxic flame retardant levels were highest in the summer, as heat amplifies chemical release from car materials, primarily seat foam.
The source of these cancer-causing compounds in cabin air was identified as seat foam, as car manufacturers incorporate the chemicals to meet outdated flammability standards with no proven fire-safety benefit. Patrick Morrison from the International Association of Fire Fighters expressed concern, citing firefighters’ high cancer rates linked to flame retardant exposure. He urged the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to update flammability standards to eliminate flame retardant chemicals from vehicles.
The study’s authors stressed the negligible benefits of these toxic flame retardants inside vehicles and suggested mitigation measures such as opening windows and parking in shaded areas. However, they underscored the necessity of reducing flame retardant use in car manufacturing to mitigate health risks associated with commuting and child exposure. Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute, advocated for proactive measures to minimize cancer risks associated with daily commutes and school travel.