hidden threat

According to scientists, in 99 percent of cases, the interiors of cars produced after 2015 contain potentially hazardous materials. Although they better comply with fire protection safety standards, their use can cause more harm than good. Now scientists are asking them to reconsider the decision to introduce these materials into production.

Our research has shown that interior materials emit harmful chemicals into the air inside our vehicles. Considering that the average driver spends approximately one hour in the vehicle every day, this is an important problem for public health.
– says Rebecca Hen, one of the researchers whose main specialty is ecology.

They analyzed 101 cars from different brands.

• In 99% of cases, the substance TCPP, a flame retardant substance also used in furniture and textile production, has been found in their air and is currently being investigated for its possible link to cancer.
• Many tools also contain TDCIPP and/or TCEP, which other research suggests can cause cancer and harm to the neurological and reproductive systems.

It seems so Many of these potentially harmful chemicals leach from car seats and other equipment during hot weather. According to researchers, concentrations in summer are 2-5 times higher than in winter. This has a particularly strong impact on drivers on long journeys, as well as child passengers who breathe more air than adults.

As for how dangerous airborne concentrations of these chemicals are, the answer is simple; scientists don’t know yet. Given the safety issues associated with these materials, It would be better if they didn’t exist at all.

Patrick Morrison of the International Association of Fire Fighters says these flame retardants actually make flames smokier and more toxic, and the safety regulations behind them were first introduced in the 1970s and so need to be updated as soon as possible.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first study to sound the alarm about the chemicals we’re exposed to every time we sit in the car. However, so far there has been no reaction from the manufacturers.