Cancer-causing substances found in the cabin air of 99% of cars

According to a new study that was published in Environmental Science & Technology, drivers and passengers may be exposed to substances that cause cancer due to the poor quality of the air inside cars.

The study, which covered 30 states, looked at the cabin air quality of 101 gas, electric, and hybrid cars from the 2015 to 2022 model years. Surprisingly, TCIPP, a flame retardant that is presently being looked into by the US National Toxicology Program for possible carcinogenic qualities, tested positive in 99% of the autos. The majority of cars also included two more flame retardants, TCEP and TDCIPP, all of which are known to cause cancer.

The findings' importance was emphasized by Rebecca Hoehn, principal researcher and toxicology scientist at Duke University, who said, "Considering the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is a significant public health issue."

She went on to express concern for those who commute a longer distance and for young passengers, who are more susceptible because of their greater rates of inhalation.

According to the study, summertime increases in the dangerous flame retardant levels were caused by the heat-induced chemical release from automobile materials.