According to a recent study, people are breathing substances that may cause cancer when they are in their cars. According to a study published on May 7 in Environmental Science & Technology, flame retardant chemicals found in most autos have been linked to cancer.

According to the report, TCIPP, a flame retardant found in 99 percent of autos, is presently being looked into as a possible carcinogen by the US National Toxicology Program. Additionally, two additional flame retardants found in autos are carcinogenic and are called TDCIPP and TCEP.

Rebecca Hoehn, the study’s principal author, stated, “Our research revealed that interior materials release harmful chemicals into the cabin air of our cars.”
“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 analysed 101 electric, gas, and hybrid cars from the U.S., model year 2015 or newer.

As per the study, car materials release toxic air more in summer due to the heat.
Given that the typical driver spends around one hour in their vehicle each day, this poses a serious threat to public health. Child passengers, who breathe more air per unit of mass than adults, and drivers with lengthier commutes should be especially concerned about this, the speaker continued.

The study examined 101 American vehicles from 2015 or later that were petrol, electric, and hybrid.

According to the study, summertime heat causes automobile materials to leak more hazardous air.

The car seat foam contained the chemicals that cause cancer.
“Commuters are likely to be exposed to FRs (flame retardant), especially those with longer commutes,” the researchers said. “Children, who breathe a greater amount of air per kg body weight compared to adults, would also be at risk of greater exposures for equivalent commuting times,” it stated.

The report went on to indicate that residents in warmer climates might be more exposed to FRs and other semivolatile chemicals found in automobiles.

It suggested that drivers “control their vehicle’s cabin temperature” in order to lower the concentrations of FR in the air inside their cars.
“Parking in a garage or shade instead of full sun may reduce the cabin temperature and limit the extent of FR release,” it said.