Study Finds That Chemicals Inside Cars Can Cause Cancer

A new study has determined that commonly used chemicals used inside cars can cause cancer.

Environmental Science & Technology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, published a study called “Flame Retardant Exposure in Vehicles Is Influenced by Use in Seat Foam and Temperature.” The study determined that Americans breathe in chemicals from the flame retardants (FRs) inside vehicles made between 2015 and 2022. Per People, the researchers found that 99% of vehicles tested contained a FR called TCIPP, which “is currently under investigation by the U.S. National Toxicology Program as a potential carcinogen.”

The study states that flame retardants are added to vehicles to meet flammability standards, as per the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 302. But, how humans inhale these retardants has just been studied by using a simple silicone passive sampler tied to participants’ rearview mirrors, which collected samples for seven days.

According to the study, “Fifty-one of 101 participants collected a foam sample from a vehicle seat. Organophosphate esters (OPEs) were the most frequently detected FR class in the passive samplers. Among these, tris(1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) had a 99% detection frequency and was measured at levels ranging from 0.2 to 11,600 ng/g of sampler.” TCIPP was also detected in the vehicle seat foam. Sampler concentrations were higher in the summer compared to winter.

The presence of TCIPP in foam resulted in four times higher median air sampler concentrations in winter and nine times higher in summer. These results suggest that FRs used in vehicle interiors, such as seat foam, are a source of OPE exposure, which is increased in warmer temperatures. Environmental Science & Technology suggests a different type of chemical should be used.

As reported by People, Rebecca Hoehn, lead researcher and toxicology scientist at Duke University, said, “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.”

OPEs are commonly used in polyurethane foam, electronics, home furnishings, textiles, building materials, and vehicles. Research indicates that exposure to specific OPEs is linked to changes in birth outcomes, reproductive damage, and carcinogenic effects.

The report states that tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) has been associated with negative health effects, including decreased fertility, altered thyroid hormone function, and cancer. These results led the chemical to be added to the California EPA Prop 65 list in 2011.