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A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology has revealed worrying findings regarding the air quality inside cars, with drivers and passengers exposed to potentially cancer-causing chemicals. The study, conducted in 30 states, examined the cabin air of 101 electric, gas and hybrid vehicles from model years 2015 to 2022. Worryingly, 99% of the cars tested positive for TCIPP, a flame retardant currently being investigated by the US National Toxicology Program. For its possible carcinogenic properties. Additionally, most vehicles also contained two more flame retardants, TdCIPP and TCEP, both of which are known to be carcinogenic.
Rebecca Hoehn, lead researcher and toxicology scientist at Duke University, stressed the importance of the findings, saying, “Considering that the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is an important public health issue.” He further highlighted the concern for individuals undertaking long journeys and child travellers, who are particularly vulnerable due to their higher breathing rates. The study revealed that levels of dangerous flame retardants increased during the summer months, due to an increase in chemical secretions from car materials due to the heat.
Researchers identified seat foam as the primary source of cancer-causing compounds in cabin air. Flame retardants, added to meet safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the 1970s, have remained unchanged despite progress, raising concerns about outdated regulations.
Patrick Morrison, health, safety and medical director of the International Association of Fire Fighters, expressed concern over the role of flame retardants in increasing the high cancer rates of firefighters. “Filling products with these harmful chemicals does little to prevent fires for most uses and instead makes fires smokier and more toxic for victims and especially first responders,” Morrison said in a news release. She goes.” They urged the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to revise its flammability standard to eliminate the need for flame-retardant chemicals inside vehicles.
The researchers supported Morrison’s opinion, emphasizing that toxic flame retardants offer no tangible benefits when used in vehicles.
Lydia Zahl, author of the study and senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute, suggested that individuals can take practical steps to reduce exposure to toxic flame retardants, such as opening car windows and parking in shady areas or garages. However, he stressed the need to completely reduce the use of flame retardants in vehicles. Zahl highlighted the urgency of regulatory action to reduce the health risks associated with these chemicals, saying, “Going to work shouldn’t be a risk of cancer, and kids shouldn’t be breathing in chemicals that are on their way to school. Can damage the brain.” ,
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