Download the 2011/2012 Guide to New Vehicles - HealthyStuff.org

INTRODUCTIONConsumers are increasingly concerned about toxicchemicals that off-gas and leach from interior auto partssuch as steering wheels, dashboards and seats. In additionto contributing to “new car smell,” these chemicals can beharmful when inhaled or ingested and may lead to severehealth impacts such as birth defects, learning disabilitiesand cancer. Since the average American spends morethan 1.5 hours in a car every day, 1 toxic chemical exposureinside vehicles is becoming a major source of potentialindoor air pollution. While the emphasis of this study ison the exposure to toxic chemicals during the use phaseof vehicle life, our rating system also considers potentialhealth and environmental impacts during the production ofmaterials and end-of-life of vehicles.The good news is that some cars are better than others.Toxic chemicals are not required to make indoor autoparts, and some manufacturers have begun to phase themout. Scientists and researchers at the Ecology Centerhave created www.HealthyStuff.org so that consumers canaccess information about the chemicals used in their caror the car they are thinking of purchasing. In addition togas mileage and crash test ratings, car-buyers can nowlearn if the materials in their car are safe for themselvesand their family.CHEMICAL HAZARDSIN VEHICLESThe average person spends about 5.5% of their time in automobilesduring the work commute, recreation or other travel activitieswhich makes it an important microenvironment for exposureto pollutants. 2 The importance of this microenvironment hasnoted by the World Health Organization which has recognizedinterior air pollution of vehicles are a major threat to humanhealth. 3 The indoor air quality of an automobile is diminishedfrom outdoor and traffic pollution, and compounds used in theinterior materials and finishes of cars. These pollutants includesuch compounds as, polybrominated diphenylesthers (PBDEs)and other brominated flame retardants (BFRs), volatile organiccompounds (VOCs), phthalate plasticizers, hydrocarbons andparticulate matter. 4 Among the common VOCs found in vehiclesinclude benzene, ehtybenzene and styrene, all known orsuspected carcinogens. 7 Most exposure to these compounds isthrough ingestion of contaminated dust, and inhalation of dust,gases and vapors. All of these pollutants have been studied indetail and produce unique human health effects.Several studies have investigated the concentration of VOCs,BFRs and hydrocarbons in car interiors. Many of thesepollutants, including benzene, toluene and xylene, were found inlevels exceeding indoor and outdoor air quality standards and,for some BFRs, contribute nearly 30% to total daily exposurewith average exposure levels of 396 pg/m 3 and maximumconcentrations of 2644 pg/m 3.3,2 Total VOC concentrationswere have been found at levels up to 3,656 ng/m 3.7These compounds are present in the interior fabrics andmaterials of the car (coatings, trims, leather, etc.) as wellas fuel combustion products from neighboring motorists.VOC concentrations decrease significantly over time as thecompounds off-gas and are removed from the interior of thecar. 3 However, it has been shown that increased temperatureof the car interior increases the concentration of VOCs andsunlight (UV) exposure reaction products which can also beharmful to human health. 2,5Particulate matter, specifically with diameters less than 10micrometers (PM 10) and 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are primarilyfrom fuel combustion on the roadways which then make theirway into the interior of the car through open windows orheating/air conditioning units. Studies of automobile interiorshave measured particulate concentrations exceeding US EPAstandards, especially for drivers in heavy traffic situations. 6Average PM 2.5concentrations were 24 µg/m 3 and average PM 10concentration was 21 µg/m 3.4When compared to residential indoor air, in-vehicle VOCconcentrations commonly exceed those found in residentialsettings and can 2-3 times higher then other modes oftransportation. 7,8 One recent study found VOC concentrationsin car showrooms were 12-times higher than ambientconcentrations outside of the showroom. 4WWW.HEALTHYSTUFF.ORG • THE ECOLOGY CENTER • 3