Study: Some automakers better than others at reducing in-car toxins

Automakers are working to reduce a range of toxic chemicals found in car interiors that contribute to the new-car smell.

The Ecology Center, a Michigan-based nonprofit environmental organization, found that the most progress has been made by eliminating hazardous chemicals found in vinyl and in flame retardants. Today, 17 percent of new vehicles are free of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and 60 percent are produced without brominated flame retardants.

The group tested more than 200 of the most popular 2011- and 2012-model vehicles for chemicals that “off-gas,” or emit toxic gases, from parts like the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests and seats.

Automakers are using bromine, associated with flame retardants; chlorine, indicating the presence of PVC and plasticizers; lead; and heavy metals. These chemicals can have adverse effects including allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity and cancer, according to the Ecology Center. So, which automakers are reducing toxins, and which are lagging behind?

The top-ranking cars in this year's release are the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius and Honda CR-Z, each with an Ecology Center rating of 0.63 or less (shown below). The worst are the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Chrysler 200 SC and Kia Soul, each measuring 3.11 or more. The Ecology Center’s rankings are based on the amount of detected toxic chemical parts per million.

The Civic ranked No. 1 thanks to its lack of bromine-based flame retardants in all interior components, PVC-free interior fabrics and interior trim and low levels of heavy metals and other metal allergens.

"Over the past decade, Honda has taken a number of steps to reduce or remove chemicals of concern from our vehicles,” said Marcos Frommer, manager of corporate affairs and communications at American Honda. “We voluntarily report these efforts in our annual North American Environmental Report."

A media request to Mitsubishi was not returned.

Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center, said the testing is intended to encourage manufacturers to use safer alternatives.

"Research shows that vehicle interiors contain a unique cocktail of hundreds of toxic chemicals that off-gas in small, confined spaces," Gearhart said. "Since these chemicals are not regulated, consumers have no way of knowing the dangers they face.”

For more on the risks of the new-car smell, check out our look at in-car chemicals. You can also get more information at the Ecology Center’s Web site: www.HealthyStuff.org.