Attention to the presence of chemical substances that make objects and cars fire resistant is growing more and more, by virtue of the risk associated with various families of substances of being carcinogenic. After a recent investigation, ConsumerReports (CR), in collaboration with the Green Science Policy Institute and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), launched a countryside decisive to eliminate the use of fire retardant chemicals toxic in the interiors of new cars. This movement, supported by more than 32,000 petition signatures, aims to push the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to update its flammability standards, which date back to 1971.
CARS RESIST FIRE WITH OLD STANDARDS
Currently, to comply with the flammability standardsthe automakers add flame retardant chemicals to materials such as seat foam. However, recent studies have shown that these substances are dangerous, being associated with risks of cancer, neurological and reproductive damage.
A May 2024 study, conducted by Duke University and other research institutionsrevealed that the air inside 101 tested vehicles was contaminated with harmful flame retardants, such as tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), which was present in 99% of the cars tested.
THE OPINION OF EXPERTS ON FIREPROOF SUBSTANCES
William Wallaceassociate director of safety policy for Consumer Reports, said: “Exist alternatives that can protect consumers give it fires without exposing them to toxic chemicals. NHTSA must immediately update its standards for car interiors and child safety seats.”.
This sentiment is shared by Arlene Blumexecutive director of the Green Science Policy Institute, who underlined how the standard current do not demonstrate an actual benefit in terms of fire safety, but rather increase the toxicity of fires for victims and rescuers.
SAFER ALTERNATIVES TO FLAME RETARDANTS IN CARS AND CHILD SEATS
The toxicologist Linda Birnbaum and the fireman Jay Fleming have publicly urged NHTSA to review the standards, stating that “With better flammability standards and vehicle design, we can better protect people from both fire and chemical risks”.
There California already replaced an outdated flammability test in 2013 for upholstered furniture, with a flameless test that does not require the use of toxic flame retardants. This standard has maintained, if not improved, fire safety without requiring the use of hazardous chemicals, CR writes. A similar approach could be applied to the automotive sector to reduce consumer exposure to flame retardants.
A other sector where the use of flame retardants is particularly widespread it is that of car seatswhich must also meet FMVSS 302 flammability requirements. Despite advances, many low-cost car seats continue to contain hazardous chemicals, independent testing shows.
A 2022 study found that buying a seat without flame retardants involves a additional cost of approximately $100. Wallace reiterated the importance of protecting children from both car accidents and chemical exposure, regardless of families’ financial situation.
