2008 report on levels of toxic chemicals in vehicles

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Chevy HHR LT

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Recently, the Ecology Center has released its 2008 report outlining the safest cars and car seats in terms of density of toxic chemicals. Materials used in the construction of vehicles and car seats are frequently hazardous to the human body, especially in children. These toxic chemicals make their way into our bodies and environment and should be avoided.

The list pays special attention to chemicals such as bromine, lead, chlorine. Bromine is used in flame-retardants and is leeched into the environment and can cause many healths problems such as tissue and organ damage. Lead had long been used in plastics and has been shown to cause reproductive system, nervous system, and kidney damage. Chlorine is used in PVC plastics and may damage organs and pollute the environment. Other chemicals of particular interest are antimony, arsenic, chromium, cobalt, copper, mercury, nickel and tin. Besides the health effects, discarded cars are incinerated or left in land fills to contaminate water supplies and soil.

The top five healthiest cars on the list are:
Acura RDX SH
Smart Pure Coupe
Chevy HHR LT
BMW M5
Smart Passion Cabriolet

Cars that score the worst include:
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider GT
Suzuki Reno
BMW 128i
VW Beetle
Lincoln Mark LT 4×4

The full list of vehicles and car seats is available at HealthyCar.org

Choosing healthy, clean cars is one more thing we can do to protect our environment and bodies.  Supporting companies that choose to manufacture their vehicles with low levels of toxic chemicals, helps determine the standards for the auto industry.  Make sure to browse over this report the next time you begin your search for a new vehicle.