Now there’s another reason to park in the shade. Every time your car is parked in direct sunlight, toxins are released from the plastic, glue, vinyl, and paint found in most cars, and in some child car seats. With the windows closed, a toxic fume brews from what scientists call volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that, when breathed, can cause headaches and nausea—or with longer exposure, can lead to major health problems, according to the Ecology Center, a nonprofit organization based in Ann Arbor, MI.
In fact, researchers at the Ecology Center warn that chemicals including bromine (used in flame retardants), chlorine (found in polyvinyl chloride or PVC), and lead have been found in cars and child car seats. This is disturbing because researchers say these chemicals are linked to liver disorders, thyroid problems, asthma, memory impairment, decreased fertility, and developmental problems in children.
“When the vehicle heats up, it accelerates the release of these chemicals. … We think the auto manufacturers can do more because we did find a number of these harmful chemicals in several cars,” explains Claudette Juska, Auto Project Coordinator with Ecology Center.
A few years ago, the Ecology Center called for auto manufacturers to replace items made with PVC, bromine, and any other toxic chemicals and a few are beginning to do so, including Toyota and Honda, explained Juska. Volvo is also certifying material they use to a standard. Ford is only doing so in their new European models, says Juska. So literally, almost every car on the road currently contains some toxic compounds.
To help consumers make more eco-educated purchases, HealthyCar.org is now providing lists of auto manufacturers on its site that are beginning to replace toxic compounds. And in May, HealthyCar.org released the first ranking of child car seats based on the levels of toxic chemicals found in a study conducted by the Ecology Center. Sixty-two new infant, convertible, and booster car seats were tested. A wide range of results were found from those with no dangerous chemicals to others that were “saturated.” Sadly, one-third of all seats tested had a high level of at least one toxic chemical.
