Researchers have found that American cars are a source of cancer-causing chemicals – but there may be a way to reduce your risks.
Environmental Science and Technology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, published a study Tuesday titled “Exposure to flame retardants in vehicles is influenced by seat foam use and temperature.”
The study explains that Americans are breathing chemicals from flame retardants in their vehicles. The chemicals can cause problems ranging from developmental neurotoxicity to thyroid hormone dysregulation and even cancer.
The types of chemicals found in flame retardants range from polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), common in cars until the early 2000s, to alternative brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and flame retardants based on organophosphate esters (OPE).
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Interior detail of an electric car, taken on August 4, 2015. (Neil Godwin/T3 Magazine/Avenir via Getty Images)
The federal government requires a certain level of flame retardants in vehicles. 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, furnishings, and building materials to meet flammability standards,” the study explains.
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“Most [flame retardants] are used additively (i.e., not chemically bonded), and many are semi-volatile, indicating that they can be present in both the gas phase and partially in the condensed phase (e.g., particles and surfaces), depending on environmental conditions.
A motorcycle officer weaves through traffic on a Los Angeles freeway during the evening rush hour on April 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Americans who drive professionally or take long trips may be at higher risk of damage from chemicals.
“These results highlight that commuters are likely to be exposed to [flame retardants]particularly those who make longer journeys or those who drive vehicles full-time as part of their employment,” the paper reads.
“In addition, children, who breathe a greater quantity of air per kg of body weight than adults, would also be at greater risk of exposure for equivalent travel times.”
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Interior view of a vehicle on April 2, 2024 in Beijing, China (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
Drivers and passengers in warmer states may face a higher risk of breathing flame retardant chemicals. But rolling down car windows, turning off air conditioning and parking in covered garages can help reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals, researchers say.
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“Increasing ventilation by opening vehicle windows and avoiding recirculation of interior cabin air can also reduce exposures,” the study says. “However, the greatest reduction in vehicle air exposure would come from…
