The use of flame retardants in auto interior seats pollutes the air in car cabins with highly toxic chemicals, posing the greatest risk to those who spend significant time in cars, according to peer-reviewed research in the US.
The study found that about 99% of car-interior air samples contained at least one flame retardant considered a carcinogen or potential carcinogen by the government, with most showing additional similar flame retardants linked to reproductive disorders and neurological problems, including reduced IQ in children.
Lead author Rebecca Hoehn, a Duke University researcher, emphasized the public health significance of this issue, particularly for drivers with longer commutes and child passengers who inhale more air pound for pound than adults due to the time spent in cars.
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Flame retardants are added to seat foam to comply with regulations set by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the 1970s, aimed at preventing fires. However, these chemicals were later found to be less effective than initially thought and are highly toxic. Patrick Morrison, director of the International Association of Fire Fighters’ safety division, highlighted that flame retardants do little to prevent fires and make them smokier and more toxic for victims and responders.
The study analyzed air inside 101 cars from model year 2015 or newer and found that virtually all air samples contained 1-chloro-isopropyl phosphate, considered a potential carcinogen by the US National Toxicology Program. Most samples also showed organophosphate ester flame retardants, which are believed to cause asthma, growth issues, adiposity, and brain damage in children. Additionally, two of these chemicals are listed as California Proposition 65 carcinogens, and individuals with higher levels of certain flame retardants in their blood have about four times the risk of dying from cancer.
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to one flame retardant commonly used in cars and furniture has led to the average US child losing three to five IQ points.
The research also noted higher levels of flame retardants in the summer, as seats release more gas in warmer weather. While parking in the shade or rolling down windows can help reduce exposure, the study’s authors advocate for eliminating the use of flame retardants in cars altogether. Some states have already reduced their use of these chemicals in furniture, and the federal government has taken initial steps to limit certain classes of flame retardants.