New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised significant health concerns regarding the use of fire-retardant chemicals in automobiles, which may pose cancer risks to passengers and drivers. In a recent move, the NGT has issued notices to four key departments, including the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, demanding their responses to the alarming findings.
A study conducted by the NGT has highlighted the widespread use of chemicals such as TDCIPP, TCIPP, and TCEP in car components like temperature control systems and seat foam to prevent fires. These chemicals, lingering in the vehicle environment, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly affecting drivers and children who spend extended periods in vehicles.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) initially submitted a report to the NGT on September 10, outlining the potential health hazards of these chemicals. The CPCB had previously declined to conduct a detailed study, citing inadequate facilities to assess the impact of these substances. In response, the NGT has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and is now overseeing the investigation itself.
According to the CPCB report, the presence of organophosphate esters like Tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate in car cabins can lead to adverse effects on neurotoxicity and thyroid function. A recent publication in the journal Environmental Science & Technology corroborates these findings, revealing that harmful fire-retardant chemicals were detected in the cabin air of all 101 vehicles tested.
Justice Prakash Srivastava, Chairperson of the NGT, along with expert member Dr. A Senthil Vel and judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, have ordered the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to respond within eight weeks regarding the cancer risks posed by these chemicals.
The NGT’s proactive approach underscores the tribunal’s commitment to safeguarding public health against environmental hazards. By addressing the potential long-term health impacts of fire-retardant chemicals in vehicles, the NGT aims to ensure safer automotive standards and protect consumers from unforeseen health risks.
The involvement of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been suggested to conduct comprehensive tests, given their advanced resources and expertise in medical research. The NGT is keen to collaborate with the ICMR to gain a deeper understanding of the health implications associated with prolonged exposure to these chemicals.
As the investigation progresses, the NGT’s findings could lead to stricter regulations and the development of safer alternatives for fire prevention in automobiles. This initiative is particularly crucial as the automotive industry continues to innovate, balancing safety measures with environmental and health considerations.
Public awareness of the potential dangers of these chemicals has been steadily increasing, prompting consumers to seek safer vehicle options. The NGT’s intervention is a pivotal step towards mitigating these risks and ensuring that the measures taken to enhance vehicle safety do not inadvertently compromise public health.
With the next hearing scheduled after the eight-week response period, all eyes are on the concerned departments to provide the necessary information and take appropriate actions to address these critical health concerns.
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