Car Seat Cushion Causes Cancer? Yes, Says An American Study

A American study recently published findings that suggests that perhaps materials used to make car seat cushions could cause cancer.

These days many people spend so much time in their car commuting from one destination to another. In Malaysia, it is no surprise that during weekdays, the roads in Kuala Lumpur will be filled with vehicles as people commute to work. 

Sitting too long is known to cause health problems, especially to the bones of a person, but currently, it has been said car seats can cause cancer. Yes, you read it right, the very throne you’re sitting in daily when you drive might just be harmful to your health.

According to a study reportedly published by the American Chemical Society, a particular flame-retardant substance commonly used in car seat cushion manufacturing said study found circulating in the air of car cabins can cause cancer just by breathing it in.

Said study identified a specific fire-retardant used to manufacture seat cushions being a possible cancer-causing agent when inhaled.

To comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 302, which was established in the 1970s, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) added flame retardants in the foam used to form car seat cushions Said FMVSS has not been revised since its establishment. 

The study involving 155 participants driving vehicles from 2015 or newer found that tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), a flame-retardant additive, was present in 99% of cars.

The study found that the concentration of TCIPP in the air was between two and five times higher in warm temperatures, as heat promotes outgassing from seat cushions, putting more of the chemical in the air. However, it is worth noting too that the study said  more evaluation was required to fully understand the potential dangers of TCIPP in automobiles.

Malaysians have nothing to fear for now. Seats primed in both CBU and CKD cars sold officially in Malaysia conform with UN R44 and UN R129 regulations.

Though this news seems scary, Malaysians shouldn’t worry about this just yet. That’s because most cars sold officially in Malaysia – both imported (CBU) or locally built (CKD) – are primed with seats that comply with United Nations Regulations UN R44 and UN R129 instead. 

This information can be found in Malaysian cars through the stickers placed at the bottom or the back of the car seat base. In short, unless you drive a specially imported old American classic, the seats in the car you’re driving in are safe, for now… KR