Mitsubishi Outlander Sport interior the most toxic, new Civic cleanest, suggests report

Most of us don’t know about it, but the interior of our car is a potential carcinogen and may also lead to deformities in our offspring. Vehicle interiors are made of plastics and other materials which release toxic gases which can be extremely hazardous in small, confined spaces like the cabin of a car. Since there is no regulatory body to oversee the usage and ill-effects of such materials in automobiles, we stand exposed to such toxins, without even knowing the extent of damage they are causing to us.

Today the Ecology Center released its fourth consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars at HealthyStuff.org, finding the Honda Civic at the top of this year’s list, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport at the bottom. Over 200 of the most popular 2011- and 2012-model vehicles were tested for chemicals that off-gas from parts such as the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests and seats. These chemicals contribute to “new car smell” and a variety of acute and long-term health concerns.

The good news is overall vehicle ratings are improving. The best vehicles today have eliminated hazardous flame retardants and PVC. Today, 17% of new vehicles have PVC-free interiors and 60% are produced without BFRs.

Top ranking cars in this year’s release are: 1) Honda Civic 2) Toyota Prius and 3) Honda CR-Z. Worst ranking: 1) Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2) Chrysler 200 SC and 3) Kia Soul. The Civic achieved its ranking by being free of bromine-based flame retardants in all interior components; utilizing PVC-free interior fabrics and interior trim; and having low levels of heavy metals and other metal allergens. The Mitsubishi Outlander contained bromine and antimony-based flame retardants in the seating and center console; chromium treated leather on several components; and over 400 ppm lead in seating materials.

The full list of top 10 best and worst cars is found below:

Ten Best Picks

  • 2012 Honda Civic 0.46
  • 2011 Toyota Prius 0.55
  • 2011 Honda CR-Z 0.63
  • 2011 Nissan cube 0.65
  • 2012 Acura RDX 0.74
  • 2012 Acura ZDX 0.74
  • 2012 Audi S5 0.74
  • 2011 Smart Coupe 0.74
  • 2011 Toyota Venza 0.77
  • 2011 Smart Passion 0.79

 

Ten Worst Picks

  • 2012 Mini Cooper S Clubman 2.84
  • 2012 VW Eos 2.85
  • 2011 Kia Sportage 2.87
  • 2011 Chevy Aveo5 2.89
  • 2012 Hyundai Accent 2.98
  • 2011 Mazda CX-7 3.08
  • 2011 Nissan Versa 3.08
  • 2011 Kia Soul 3.11
  • 2011 Chrysler 200 SC 3.17
  • 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 3.17

Most improved automakers in terms of the average ratings for their vehicles are VW (+42%), Mitsubishi (+38%) and Ford (+30%). These represent improvement from the 2009/2010 models to the 2011/2012 models. Two automaker had overall declining average scores from 2009/2010 to 2011/2012: Diamler AG (-29%) and Volvo (-13%).

Here’s a video by Healthystuff.org on the report on car interior toxins


 

Note: HealthyStuff.org only tests for a limited set of chemical hazards. Vehicles may also contain other chemical hazards, including chlorinated flame retardants (CFR) which were NOT tested for in this study

 

 

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