For many, cars have become an essential part of their daily commute. Few people are aware, though, that the air inside the vehicle could be harmful. According to a new study, flame retardants known or suspected of causing cancer may be in the air inside our cars.
On 7 May, Duke University published a report about the troubling aspect of driving in the journal Environmental Science and Technology . Let’s take a closer look. Harmful chemicals in car cabin The researchers at Duke University analysed the cabin air of 101 electric, petrol and hybrid cars with model years ranging from 2015 to 2022.
They discovered that a flame retardant known as TCIPP, which is currently being looked into as a possible carcinogen by the US National Toxicology Programme, was present in 99 per cent of vehicles. Two additional flame retardants, TCEP and TDCIPP, that are considered hazardous, were found in most cars. According to the study, these flame retardants are associated with neurological and reproductive side effects.
Speaking to People magazine, Rebecca Hoehn, lead researcher and toxicology scientist at Duke University, said, “Considering the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is a significant public health issue.” “It’s particularly concerning for drivers with longer commutes as well as child passengers, who breathe more air pound for pound than adults,” she added. The study also discovered that because heat causes chemicals from automobile materials to.
