A new research has found that the air in 99% of cars built in the United States over the past decade contains hazardous substances. This is reported by daily.afisha.ru with reference to Environmental Science & Technology.
Scientists from Duke University discovered tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), as well as TDCIPP and TCEP, in car interiors. These substances, used as fire retardants, can have carcinogenic effects and also negatively affect the nervous and reproductive systems.
According to environmentalist Rebecca Hohn, the problem poses a serious threat to public health, given that the average person spends about an hour a day in the car.
Researchers note that especially high levels of harmful chemicals are observed in car interiors in hot weather. In summer, the concentration of these substances can be 2-5 times higher than in winter.
Experts are calling for a review of the rules for the use of fire retardants in car production.
“What is really needed is to reduce the amount of flame retardants used in car production. Commuting should not be a cancer risk, and children should not be breathing chemicals that can damage their brains on the way to school,” says Green Science Policy Institute environmental chemist Lydia Jahl.