Tag: cars

Americans breathe in carcinogenic chemicals found in cars: study

Researchers have found that a source of carcinogenic chemicals is in Americans’ cars – but there may be a way to reduce your risk.

Environmental Science and Technology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, published a study called “Flame Retardant Exposure in Vehicles Is Influenced by Use in Seat Foam and Temperature” on Tuesday.

The study explains that Americans breathe in chemicals from the flame retardants in their vehicles. The chemicals can cause issues ranging from developmental neurotoxicity to thyroid hormone dysregulation and even cancer.

The types of chemicals found in flame retardants range from polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which were common in cars until the early 2000s, to alternative brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPEs). 

STUDY FINDS EVIDENCE OF MICROPLASTICS IN BRAINS AND OTHER ORGANS

The federal government requires a level of flame retardants in vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated the use of flame retardants in the 1970s.

“Flame retardant (FR) chemicals are intentionally used in electronics, furnishings, and building materials to meet flammability standards,” the study explains.

STD RATES SKYROCKET AMONG AMERICANS 55 AND OLDER: CDC

“Most [flame retardants] are used in an additive manner (i.e., not chemically bound), and many are semivolatile, indicating that they can be present in both the gas phase and partially in the condensed phase (e.g., particles and surfaces), depending on environmental conditions.”

Americans who drive professionally or face long commutes may be at a higher risk of harm from the chemicals.

“These findings highlight that commuters are likely to be exposed to [flame retardants], especially those with longer commutes or those who drive vehicles full time as part of their employment,” the paper read. 

“In addition, children, who breathe a greater amount of air per kg body weight compared to adults, would also be at risk of greater exposures for equivalent commuting times.”

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Drivers and passengers in warmer states may face a greater risk of breathing in the flame retardant chemicals. But rolling down car windows, turning off the AC and parking in covered garages may help reduce exposure to the dangerous chemicals, researchers say. 

“Increasing ventilation by opening vehicle windows and avoiding recirculating interior cabin air may also reduce exposures,” the study said. “However, the greatest reduction in exposure from vehicle air would come from significantly reducing the amount of FRs added to personal vehicles.”

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Video shows cars piled up after tornado hits Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

A video has emerged showing cars piled on top of each other after a tornado with estimated peak wind speeds of 130 mph ripped through South Florida. 

Footage taken in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Palm Beach Gardens Saturday depicted a car overturned with another propped up against it. 

“Oh my God. Look at this thing,” a person could be heard saying as locals were wandering around the area to survey the damage. 

The city of Palm Beach Gardens said there were reports of “roof damage, minor structural damage to buildings, a lot of trees down and a lot vehicle damage” in the wake of the EF-2 tornado. 

BIDEN DECLARES FORT LAUDERDALE A DISASTER AREA AFTER SEVERE FLOODING 

“Fire Rescue states that no injuries were reported in our jurisdiction as a result of the storm, but they did assist with transports in nearby areas,” the city added, noting that “multiple roadways were blocked with debris and downed trees.” 

More than 11 million Florida residents had been placed under a tornado watch that covered most of the Florida Peninsula Saturday, according to FOX Weather. 

Another video taken of the tornado showed a car being lifted off the ground and thrown through the air while it was in the middle of a street. 

Palm Beach Gardens said it has activated its “Emergency Operations Center with personnel from Police, Fire and Public Works to address cleanup.” 

DAMAGING TORNADOES SWEEP THROUGH OKLAHOMA, LEAVING AT LEAST 2 DEAD 

“A cell merger that began between the turnpike and Interstate 95 in Palm Beach Gardens was able to take advantage of a favorable environment for tornadoes and spawn an EF-2 tornado,” the National Weather Service (NWS) had said in a report. 

“The tornado began just east of Interstate 95 and moved northeast across A1A, passing just south of the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center,” it continued. “As it moved through the Sanctuary Cove Community it turned more north-northeasterly crossing PGA Blvd near the intersection with U.S. 1. 

“After a short trek up U.S. 1, the tornado dissipated before reaching Juno Beach,” the NWS statement concluded. 

The NWS also said that the tornado destroyed a dry-cleaning business, collapsed light poles and caused an electrical concrete pole to lean over. 

The tornado lasted 11 minutes and traveled nearly 3 miles before it dissipated, the NWS added. 

“The City Engineer and Building official continue to do structural damage assessments,” the City of Palm Beach Gardens said.