Could your car be harmful to your health? Study reveals cancerous toxins in cars.

Americans may be breathing in cancer-causing chemicals while driving, recent research suggests.

A study in Environmental Science & Technology has ignited debates about the possible hazardous substances that may be present in car cabins.

Dr. Ken Speath, M.D., the division chief and medical director for occupational and environmental medicine at Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the indoor air quality can lead to health symptoms.

Speath advises being cautious of the air we breathe in various settings, including at home, work, school, and in cars, although he was not part of the study.

He stated that harmful chemicals can accumulate to levels that may harm health.

"Whatever is in the air of a car, which is a small, enclosed space, will definitely be inhaled."

Research reveals ‘harmful chemicals’

A study examined 101 U.S.-owned vehicles from the model year 2015 or later in a peer-reviewed investigation.

Vehicles may be contaminated with harmful flame-retardant chemicals, which are suspected of causing cancer and neurological problems, according to research findings.

According to Rebecca Hoehn, a scientist at Duke University, flame retardant chemicals added to vehicle interiors to meet flammability standards are released into the cabin air from the materials to which they were applied.

"People in these vehicles may be exposed to these chemicals."

Researchers only measured seat foam, according to Hoehn, but other interior materials could also contain the chemicals.

Hoehn warned that since the average driver spends approximately one hour in the car daily, this is a substantial public health concern.

"Longer commutes and child passengers are particularly concerning, as children breathe more air pound for pound than adults."

The U.S. National Toxicology Program is currently investigating tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), a flame retardant detected in car cabins, as a potential carcinogen.

"Considering the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is a significant public health issue."

Besides TDCIPP and TCEP, other flame retardants were also found.

According to a press release, two Californian Proposition 65 carcinogens have been linked to neurological and reproductive harms.

Higher concentrations of the flame retardants were found during warmer weather.

According to Hoehn, the same cars tested in both winter and summer had higher levels of flame retardants in the cabin air during the warm summer months.

To comply with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 302), flame retardants are added to vehicles.

Some have expressed concerns about flame retardants for a while, as Speath told Planet Chronicle Digital.

He stated that more information is required to determine the health risks these chemicals pose in humans.

Studies have shown that some of these have negative health effects on animals.

"While it may not definitively apply to humans, the possibility arises, so further research on the effects of these chemicals on humans is necessary."

Dr. Emanuela Taioli, the director of the Institute for Translational Epidemiology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, also shared her reactions, although she was not part of the study.

The discovery is highly relevant as it could lead to changes in car upholstery and other parts of the car that contain foam, she informed Planet Chronicle Digital via email.

"We wish to learn more about this discovery and observe if it is reproduced by other researchers."

Other sources of toxins

Stephen Showalter, a home inspector and indoor environmental air consultant with Showalter Property Consultants in Maryland, typically interviews clients about their history of illness and tests for potential sources of sickness in various locations such as buildings, cars, RVs, and boats.

In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, he stated that mold is a common cause of health problems due to environmental factors.

Dr. Daniel Johns, a chiropractor in Annapolis, Maryland, and a member of the International Society of Environmentally Acquired Illnesses, shared Showalter's concerns about the health effects of mold.

Johns also cautioned that cars can be a daily source of mold exposure.

During an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, he stated that any water that leaks from a window, sunroof, or convertible can cause mold growth in the carpet.

"In as little as 24 to 48 hours, a wet surface can foster mold growth."

Johns cautioned that mold in cars could be caused by spilled sippy cups in families with small children.

"The upholstery can become moldy if the water seeps in and is not properly dried out," he stated.

"Mold can start growing on a wet surface within 24 to 48 hours."

"Each time you use the seat, it emits a cloud of mold spores into the car. After this occurs, it becomes impossible to remove the stains. The upholstery must be taken out and replaced."

Experts informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the effects of these pollutants can differ among individuals.

People metabolize chemicals and toxins in different ways, according to Taioli.

"Metabolism happens through enzymes that the body produces," he said.

"Our metabolic capacity is determined by our unique genetic profile, which affects how efficiently we metabolize toxins."

Tips for ensuring safe interiors

Experts suggest that people can take steps to minimize their exposure to car-borne chemicals, although more research is required on this topic.

Hoehn advised that people could potentially minimize their exposure by circulating air in their vehicles.

By opening windows to release polluted air or utilizing climate control systems to bring in clean air, concentrations can be decreased.

"Ultimately, reducing the amount of flame retardants added to vehicles in the first place would provide the greatest reduction in exposure risk."

Adjusting the temperature inside your car can decrease exposure, she stated.

According to Hoehn, parking in a garage or shade rather than full sun can decrease the cabin temperature and minimize the amount of flame retardant released.

The researchers also called for action from regulatory agencies and vehicle manufacturers.

The greatest reduction in exposure risk can be achieved by decreasing the amount of flame retardants added to vehicles initially, according to Hoehn.

"Revising flammability standards for vehicles to align with fire safety guidelines could significantly decrease the risk of flame retardant exposure from personal vehicles."

Experts advised Planet Chronicle Digital that testing your car's air quality and surfaces can lower the risk of exposure to allergens, toxins, and chemicals.

To prevent mold in a vehicle, Showalter advises keeping windows up during rain or snow to prevent water from seeping into the carpet or fabric.

He advised against leaving wet items in the car and warned about the dangers of leaky air conditioners that can promote mold growth in vehicles.

Before purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, it is crucial to verify its history to ensure it does not have flood damage, which may result in mold and other problems.

If you suspect that your symptoms are caused by chemical exposure in your car, home, or office, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to several major car companies for comment.

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health.