Cancer - causing chemicals detected in 99% of car’s cabin air causes health risk for drivers according to studies

A recently study published Environmental Science & Technology reveals concerning findings regarding the air quality inside cars, with drivers and passengers potentially exposed to cancer-causing chemicals.

Conducted across 30 states, the study examined cabin air from 101 electric, gas, and hybrid vehicles spanning model years 2015 to 2022. Alarmingly, 99% of the cars tested positive for TCIPP, a flame retardant currently being investigated by the U.S. National Toxicology Program for its potential carcinogenic properties.

The majority of vehicles also contained two more flame retardants, TDCIPP and TCEP, both known to be carcinogenic.

Rebecca Hoehn, lead researcher and toxicology scientist at Duke University, emphasised the significance of the findings.

The study revealed that levels of the hazardous flame retardants were elevated during the summer months, attributed to increased chemical release from car materials due to heat

Patrick Morrison, director of health, safety, and medicine for the International Association of Fire Fighters, expressed concern over the role of flame retardants in exacerbating firefighters' high cancer rates.

Lydia Jahl, study author and senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute, suggested practical steps individuals can take to minimise exposure to toxic flame retardants, such as opening car windows and parking in shaded areas or garages.