A recent study has found that flame retardants in car seat foam may increase exposure to potentially cancer-causing chemicals, especially during the summer. The researchers tested the cabin air of 101 electric, gas, and hybrid cars across 30 states. They discovered that a high percentage of the cabins contained potentially toxic flame retardants. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, urges government officials to amend regulations to prohibit the use of flame retardants in cars, as the safety and effectiveness of these chemicals are facing increased scrutiny.
Flame retardants are commonly used in consumer products such as furniture, electronics, and mattresses. They were added to car seat foam to meet the requirements set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 302. This standard, put in place in the 1970s, aims to prevent or slow the spread of car-related fires. However, the study researchers argue that the potentially harmful effects of flame retardants necessitate an update to these standards to exclude the use of these chemicals.
The researchers found various potentially toxic flame retardants in the cabin air of the tested cars, with levels increasing during the summer due to warmer temperatures causing an increase in off-gassing. The flame retardant tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) was present in 99% of cabins in both seasons, while other chemicals like tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP) and triethyl phosphate (TEP) were also widespread. Samples of foam seat from 51 cars revealed the presence of possibly toxic flame retardants like tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate in a significant proportion of vehicles, raising concerns about potential health risks.
Surprisingly, vehicles with all-electric engines showed lower levels of certain flame retardants compared to those with gas engines, suggesting a potential difference in exposure based on engine type. The American Chemistry Council highlights the importance of flame retardants in preventing fires, citing a significant decrease in structural fires and civilian deaths since their introduction. However, concerns remain about the impact of these chemicals on human health, with studies showing that firefighters, in particular, are exposed to high levels of potentially carcinogenic flame retardants during their work, leading to elevated cancer risks.
In conclusion, while flame retardants play a crucial role in fire prevention, the potential health risks associated with these chemicals, especially in car seat foam, raise concerns that need to be addressed. The study’s findings highlight the need for updated regulations to reduce exposure to harmful flame retardants and protect public health. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of these chemicals and identify safer alternatives that can still provide the necessary fire protection without compromising human health.
