Washington, DC: The fourth annual consumer guide to toxic chemicals in motor vehicle interiors (2012), produced by the Ecology Center, shows that consumers remain at risk for exposure to bromine and other toxic chemicals that produce that "new car smell" despite the fact that, overall, the use of these types of chemicals is gradually being reduced by vehicle manufacturers.
According to the Center's report, 40% of vehicles tested in 2012 contained brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in their interiors. BFRs refer to a wide range of chemicals added to materials to both reduce their flammability and slow their rate of combustion.
Bromine is not the only chemicals of concern. Chlorine, which indicates the use of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC and plasticizers; lead; and heavy metals are all considered toxic and found in car interiors to greater or lesser degrees. These substances have been linked to a variety of health issues including but not limited to birth defects, liver toxicity, impaired learning, cancer and allergies.
In the Ecology Center's latest report, the Mitsubishi Outlander was found to have high levels of bromine and antimony-based flame retardants in the seating and center console; chromium treated leather on several components; and over 400 parts per million lead in seating materials. The KIA Soul and the Chrysler 200 SC were also found to have high levels of these chemicals.
The risk of exposure to these chemicals is not to be underestimated as, according to the Ecology Center information, the average person spends 1.5 hours in his car per day, and in some cases extreme air temperatures inside the car and on dashboards can increase the concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which subsequently break down into even more toxic substances.
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Last updated on Feb-22-12 |
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New Report Finds Toxic 'New Car Smell' Chemicals Linked to Health Risks
 Washington, DC: According to the fourth annual consumer guide to toxic substances in car interiors, produced by the Ecology Center, consumers remain at risk for exposure to bromine and other toxic chemicals that produce that "new car smell" despite the fact that overall, the use of these types of chemicals is being reduced by manufacturers. Among the worst offenders are Mitsubishi, Chrysler and KIA [READ MORE]
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