Dangerous Materials in Automobiles
For many automobile owners, there is nothing more exciting than that “new car smell” that lingers inside recently manufactured automobiles. But did you know that distinctive smell is actually the plastics, adhesives and carpeting in the automobile releasing volatile organic compounds that have been linked to liver, kidney and neurological disorders?In fact, modern automobiles are made with many hazardous materials, and these materials are not just located below the hood. In the course of driving your vehicle each day, you may be coming into contact with a variety of substances that have been linked to serious – and, in some cases, life-threatening – health ailments.
Flame-retardants are regularly added to materials in the interiors of vehicles in order to protect driver safety. But the flame-retardants themselves are often unsafe, and many contain dangerous levels of bromine and antimony. Bromine is a toxic chemical that is so corrosive that it must be transported in lead-lined tanks. Aside from affecting the thyroid, bromine can cause neurological impairments ranging from an inability to focus to decreased memory and mood changes. Antimony is a toxic metalloid that can cause headaches and nausea in limited doses, or organ damage and skin disease after prolonged exposure.
The plastic in many car parts – from the steering wheel to the glove box – also may contain polyvinyl chloride, known commonly as PVC. Many landfills do not like to handle PVC, but car manufacturers do not hesitate to include it in there manufacturing processes. PVC has adverse affects on the liver and kidneys, and should be avoided by pregnant women at all costs. PVC has been linked to premature births.
Of course, the dangerous materials used in car manufacturing are not confined to vehicle interiors. Many vehicles, especially older vehicles, have brake pads and clutches that contain dangerous amounts of asbestos. Automobile manufacturers use asbestos because it is cheap and withstands high temperatures, but asbestos fibers are easily inhaled and asbestos exposure has been linked to mesothelioma, a serious form of cancer that attacks the linings of organs, such as the lungs. Some car mechanics refuse to work with asbestos brakes and clutches.
The materials used to construct automobiles are toxic enough – and many car owners make a bad situation worse by bringing toxic materials into their cars. Many air fresheners and cleaning products include toxic chemicals or volatile organic compounds that can cause a variety of health problems. And, believe it or not, many infant car seats are made with the same toxic plastics and flame-retardants found in standard automobile seats. Carefully read all labels and warnings before using any product on your car or before adding any aftermarket item.
