Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Study on cancer-causing chemicals in cars due by May 2027
Cars have chemicals inside them that help stop them from catching fire too easily.
These chemicals are called flame retardants.
Scientists found that almost all cars have some of these chemicals in the air inside.
Some of these chemicals might cause cancer in people.
So the Indian government wants to find out if drivers are in danger.
A group of scientists called the Indian Council of Medical Research is doing a big study.
They are collecting samples from drivers in different parts of India.
The study started in November 2025 and will finish by May 2027.
A special environmental court is checking on their progress.
ICMR told the NGT that its nationwide study on cancer-causing chemicals in cars will be completed by May 2, 2027.
The study involves collecting and analysing biological samples to evaluate health risks of flame retardant exposure to drivers.
A related study of 101 electric, gas and hybrid cars found 99 per cent contained the flame retardant TCIPP, under investigation by the US National Toxicology Program as a potential carcinogen.
Most cars also contained the flame retardants TDCIPP and TCEP, which are considered carcinogenic.
The NGT directed ICMR to file a fresh status report, with the matter next listed for proceedings on November 4.
- Who
- ICMR scientist Dr Sivaperumal and an NGT bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava
- What
- A nationwide ICMR study to detect cancer-causing chemicals in cars and assess health risks from flame retardants
- When
- Work began November 2, 2025, and completion is expected by May 2, 2027; the NGT order was dated August 13
- Where
- India, with samples collected across the southern, eastern and western regions; the case is before the National Green Tribunal
- Why
- To evaluate the health risks of flame retardant exposure to drivers after a study found cancer-causing chemicals in car cabin air
- Expected completion
- May 2, 2027
- Work start date
- November 2, 2025
- Study regions
- Southern, eastern and western India (60 samples each)
- Control samples
- 97
- Western region progress
- 50 samples collected, 40 analysed
- Cars tested in source study
- 101 electric, gas and hybrid cars (2015-2022 models)
- Cars containing TCIPP
- 99 per cent
- Next hearing
- November 4