Exposing Toxic Dangers in Automobiles

Exposing Toxic Dangers in Automobiles

When people think about the dangers of owning an automobile, they typically think about unsafe road conditions and the likelihood of getting into an accident. However, our vehicles expose us to toxic chemicals as well. Exposure to these chemicals can cause health risks and cancers, including mesothelioma. This is significant because the average American driver spends one and a half hours in a vehicle every day without thinking about the poor air quality.

Upholstery, including arm rests and seat cushions, floor coverings and plastic parts--like your seat belt buckle--used in most vehicle interiors are made with toxic chemicals that put public health at risk. These chemicals include polybrominated diphenyl ether, a common fire retardant, and phthalates, which are used in the process of softening PVC plastics. Both chemicals have been linked to liver toxicity, premature births, birth defects, impaired learning and early puberty in laboratory test animals. The European Union has banned the use of phthalates in toys.

That new car smell that many of us love so much is largely formaldehyde. This toxic substance is used in your vehicle's carpets and upholstery, as well as plastics and glues used in new automobiles. In a report released in June 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Toxicology Program officially added formaldehyde to the list of chemicals known to cause cancer. Although it is a naturally occurring substance, increased exposure to formaldehyde contributes to cancer in humans.

Asbestos is another threat to public health. This substance has been used in automotive parts, such as clutch facings, gaskets and brake pads for many years. It is not just older vehicles that contain these asbestos-laden parts. Brakes and clutches are still being made with asbestos, just in lower quantities.

While many of us do not come in contact with these parts that often, mechanics and amateurs who work on their own cars may. Asbestos exposure, particularly breathing in the dust, can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis and even pleural mesothelioma, a painful and aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs. These diseases typically do not develop until 15 or even 50 years after exposure.

Other toxic chemicals used in vehicles include lead, bromine, heavy metals and chlorine. The United States does not have standards for air quality in vehicles, but carmakers have begun phasing out some of the toxic chemicals in automobiles due to consumer demand and health reports.

Copyright © 2012 Brian Tuner.