Concerns about your daily commute might extend beyond just traffic delays. A recent study revealed that the air inside your car could be laced with potentially harmful flame retardant chemicals.
Published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, researchers examined 101 cars dating from 2015 or later and discovered flame retardants lingering in their cabins. These chemicals, commonly used in seat foam and other interior materials to meet outdated federal flammability standards, may pose health risks without providing significant fire safety benefits, according to the study’s authors.
Lead author Rebecca Hoehn from Duke University emphasized the public health implications, especially for those spending considerable time in their vehicles, such as commuters and children. The study identified tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate in 99% of the tested cars, a chemical under investigation by the U.S. National Toxicology Program for its potential carcinogenic properties. Additionally, other carcinogenic chemicals like tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate were found, which are banned in California under Proposition 65.
The research highlighted that cars with TCIPP-treated foam exhibited higher concentrations of these chemicals in their cabin air. Moreover, temperature variations, particularly warmer weather, were associated with increased off-gassing, indicating that car interiors can rapidly accumulate heat, even on moderately warm days.
The study’s implications extend beyond immediate concerns, advocating for updates to flammability standards to prevent the use of these chemicals. Dr. Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute, emphasized the necessity for regulatory action to minimize exposure.
For individuals seeking to mitigate their exposure, maintaining adequate ventilation by opening windows and parking in shaded areas is recommended. However, conventional methods like using car seat covers may not significantly reduce exposure, according to Dr. Jahl. Regular cleaning, particularly for cars transporting children, could also help reduce exposure.
In conclusion, the study underscores the persistent threat posed by these chemicals in both new and older vehicles, emphasizing the need for regulatory reform and individual precautions to safeguard public health during daily commutes.
