Researchers have found a source of cancer-causing chemicals in Americans’ cars, but there may be ways to reduce the risk.
The peer-reviewed scientific journal Environment Science and Technology published a study on Tuesday titled “Flame Retardant Exposure in Vehicles Is Influenced by Seat Foam Use and Temperature.”
This study explains that Americans are breathing in chemicals from flame retardants in cars. These chemicals can cause a variety of problems, from developmental neurotoxicity to thyroid hormone dysregulation and even cancer.
The types of chemicals found in flame retardants range from polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which were common in automobiles until the early 2000s, to alternative brominated diphenyl ethers (BFRs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPEs). ).
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Details of the interior of an electric car, taken on August 4, 2015. (Neil Godwin/T3 Magazine/Future via Getty Images)
The federal government requires vehicles to use certain levels of flame retardants. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated the use of flame retardants in the 1970s.
“Flame retardant (FR) chemicals are intentionally used in electronics, furniture, and building materials to meet flammability standards,” the study explains.
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“largely [flame retardants] They are used in an additive manner (i.e. not chemically bonded) and are often semi-volatile, forming both gas phase and partially condensed phase (e.g. on particles and surfaces) depending on environmental conditions. This indicates that there is a possibility that . ”
A motorcycle police officer weaves through traffic on a Los Angeles freeway during evening rush hour on April 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Frederick J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
Americans who drive professionally or face long commutes may be at higher risk of harm from chemicals.
“These findings highlight the high likelihood that commuters are exposed to the virus. [flame retardants]This is particularly true for people with long commutes or those who drive full-time as part of their job,” the newspaper said.
“Furthermore, children who breathe more air per kilogram of body weight than adults may be at risk of greater exposure for equivalent commuting times.”
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Interior view of a vehicle taken on April 2, 2024 in Beijing, China (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
Drivers and passengers in warmer states may be at increased risk of breathing in flame-retardant chemicals. But rolling down your car windows, turning off your air conditioner and parking your car in a covered garage may help reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals, researchers say.
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“Increasing ventilation by opening car windows and avoiding recirculation of air inside the vehicle may also reduce exposure,” the study said. “However, the greatest reduction in vehicle air exposure comes from significantly reducing the amount of FR added to personal vehicles.”
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