New Report Finds Toxic 'New Car Smell' Chemicals Linked to Health Risks

February 21, 2012, 12:30PM. By Lucy Campbell

Washington, DCAccording 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.

"Research shows that vehicle interiors contain a unique cocktail of hundreds of toxic chemicals that off-gas in small, confined spaces," Jeff Gearhart, Research Director at the Ecology Center said in an interview with HealthyStuff.org. "Automobiles function as chemical reactors, creating one of the most hazardous environments we spend time in.” He notes that since these chemicals are not regulated, consumers have no way of knowing the dangers they face. "Our testing is intended to expose those dangers and encourage manufacturers to use safer alternatives," he said.

Chemicals of most concern include bromine, which is associated with brominated flame retardants; chlorine, which indicates the use of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC and plasticizers; lead; and heavy metals. According to the Center's report, 40% of vehicles tested in 2012 contained brominated flame retardants in their interiors. 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.

Given the fact that, 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 the dashboards can increase the concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds –or VOCs– which subsequently break down into even more toxic substances, the risk for exposure is high.