This is a guest post from Brian Turner. Brian is interested in all types of cars and he enjoys writing about the inherent toxic hazards in them. He is a staff contributor for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog on mesothelioma.com where he writes about the cancer risks that toxins like asbestos pose.
While regulations in some countries concerning the use of potentially dangerous and lethal chemicals, materials and substances to manufacturer cars is strictly regulated and controlled, in some places of the world there are few standards or laws protecting a consumer against these risks. With growing concern and increasing feedback from scientific studies showing links between types of diseases and the substances used and found in automobiles, every car owner should know a few basic facts before purchasing an import or domestic vehicle.
What Studies Are Finding:
Ongoing research over the past few decades have turned up some pretty surprising and disturbing results.
Some studies have shown that as many as 90% of imported vehicles show substantial amounts of asbestos, bromine, lead, PVC, and formaldehyde in exterior and interior car parts.
While most car owners are aware that the fluids that help their car run, such as oil, gasoline, radiator fluid or transmission fluid, are toxic and potentially dangerous if ingested, most aren't aware that each time they sit down, they might be sitting on a seat that contains lead, one of the most dangerous heavy metals. Dashboard samples in some cars have turned up chlorine and bromine, also potentially toxic substances that may have adverse health affects over time.
Asbestos is still used in some brake pads, and especially in imported brakes. Many people have the wrong impression that asbestos has been outlawed, when in fact the regulations have simply tightened in some countries. In others, asbestos is used frequently and in large amounts with little or no regulation. It has also been found in hood-liners due to its fire resistant nature
Health Risks Associated:
Exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma or other forms of lung cancer. Other chemicals, such as lead, bromine, chlorine and PVC are known to cause kidney damage, liver cancer, skin cancer, and respiratory diseases with frequent and prolonged exposure.
Some of the long-term effects are yet not known, and may not be realized for several more years or decades. PVC, for example, may have little effect on the generation that had initial exposure, but may cause health problems or birth defects in second or third generations.
Fortunately, more automotive companies are becoming aware of risk factors, and regulations are becoming stricter. However, before you buy a car, be sure to do a little research about what materials were used in making the car, what laws the manufacturing country has on toxic substances such as asbestos or benzene, and what alternatives may be safer if the car proves to have substances that might pose a health risk.