A recent study conducted by researchers from Duke University and the Green Science Policy Institute has found that the air inside the cabins of some model year 2015 or newer cars is polluted with flame retardants. These flame retardants are used in various areas of vehicle cabins in the United States based on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 302. Previous studies have linked exposure to certain flame retardants with health concerns such as neurological issues, hormone disruption, and cancer-related death. The researchers discovered that the levels of flame retardants in the air inside vehicle cabins were two to five times higher in the summer compared to winter.
The study involved 101 U.S. citizens who own a car with a model year of 2015 or newer, who hung a silicone passive sampler on their rearview mirror for seven days. The researchers found that organophosphate esters (OPEs) were the most frequently detected fire retardant in the air, with tris(1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) being the dominant fire retardant discovered in car seat foam. TCIPP has been linked to potential carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects, as well as impacting thyroid hormone regulation. The levels of flame retardants in the cabin air were found to be significantly higher in the summer months, likely due to higher temperatures causing the chemicals to be emitted from plastics at a higher rate.
Heather M. Stapleton, PhD, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized the potential health risks posed by exposure to these flame retardants in vehicle cabins. She noted that the presence of flame retardant chemicals in seat foam can lead to the generation of more smoke and toxic chemicals during a fire. Stapleton recommended ventilating the car, especially during hot summer months, and parking in the shade or using a sun visor to minimize interior temperatures. Additionally, opening the car windows and ventilating the air before driving can help reduce exposure to flame retardants. Dr. Douglas A. Miller, a radiation oncologist, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about potential environmental exposures that may be harmful to human health.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the presence of flame retardants in vehicle cabins and the potential health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals. Moving forward, further research is needed to develop alternative materials that do not contain harmful compounds and to modernize regulations regarding material requirements in vehicles. By taking simple precautions such as ventilating the car and avoiding recirculating air, drivers and passengers can reduce their exposure to flame retardants and protect their health. This research highlights the importance of considering the potential risks of environmental exposures in everyday settings such as vehicle cabins.
