Why We Need Healthycar.org & other related

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Why We Need Healthycar.org

_http://www.healthycar.org/about.why.php_

(http://www.healthycar.org/about.why.php)

 

Everyone knows that cars are a major source of air pollution. But most

people don't know that it isn't only what comes out of tailpipes that's the

problem, but what's inside cars as well. " New car smell " for example, comes

from

toxic chemicals being released from plastics, foams and fabrics used to make

steering wheels, dashboards and seats.

These chemicals are inhaled or ingested by drivers and passengers through

dust and air, potentially causing allergic or other acute reactions or even

long-term health impacts such as birth defects, impaired learning, liver

toxicity and cancer. Since the average American spends more than 1.5 hours in a

car

every day, toxic chemical exposure inside vehicles is becoming a major source

of potential indoor air pollution.

Child car seats also contribute to the problem. They are made with some of

the same chemicals as car parts, and also off-gas inside the car.

The good news is that some cars and car seats are better than others. Toxic

chemicals are not required to make indoor auto parts or cars seats, and some

manufacturers have begun to phase them out. HealthyCar.org tested

approximately 450 of the most popular vehicle models in the U.S. from

2006-2009. In each

vehicle, 11 different components were sampled including: steering wheel,

shift knob, armrest/center console, dashboard, headliner, carpet, seat front,

seat back, seat base, hard door-trim and soft door-trim. Chemicals tested that

are of primary concern include bromine (associated with brominated flame

retardants); chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC

and

plasticizers); lead; and heavy-metal allergens.

HealthyCar.org has also tested over 130 popular 2007-2008 child car seats

for the same chemicals. The major components of the car seats were tested,

including the seat cushion, foam backing, seat base, seat belt clip and sun

shade

(when available).

Now, for the first time ever, car and car seat buyers can search by model

and class or comparison shop to learn which products contain the largest and

smallest amounts of potentially toxic chemicals. Not only will this site allow

you to make safer choices, but it will also make manufacturers more

accountable for the materials they use.

It is important to always use a child car seat, no matter what rating it

received at HealthyCar.org.

In addition to toxic chemicals, consumers might also want to consider other

issues, such as fuel-economy and safety, when considering a vehicle purchase.

.. Visit the _resources_ (http://www.healthycar.org/chemicals.resources.php)

_http://www.healthycar.org/chemicals.resources.php_

(http://www.healthycar.org/chemicals.resources.php) page to find links to

other helpful vehicle and

car seat shopping tools.

RELATED ARTICLES:

MODEL YEAR 2008/2009 GUIDE TO NEW VEHICLES

guide to toxic chemicals in these cars

_http://media.ecocenter.org/www.healthycar.org/doc/HealthyCarVehicle08.pdf_

(http://media.ecocenter.org/www.healthycar.org/doc/HealthyCarVehicle08.pdf)

MODEL YEAR 2006/2007 GUIDE TO NEW VEHICLE

guide to toxic chemicals in these cars

_http://media.ecocenter.org/www.healthycar.org/doc/healthycarguide07.pdf_

(http://media.ecocenter.org/www.healthycar.org/doc/healthycarguide07.pdf)

What's That Smell? Avoiding That New Car Smell

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