Unsafe Toxic Materials in Automobiles

Since people use them for transportation to work, for traveling, and for emergency situations that involve helping themselves and other people, cars are an absolute necessity in today's world. Unfortunately, there is a dark side that coexists with the positive aspects of having a car. To put it simply, there are numerous toxic substances that are inherent in all cars, and exposure to these substances is definitely no laughing matter. In fact, in certain cases, exposure could lead to serious health problems and even death. Take beryllium, for example.

A hard, grayish metal that exists in coal, soil, volcanic dust, and mineral rocks, beryllium is combined with other metals to create alloys that are often used in aircraft and space vehicle structures, x-ray machines, nuclear reactors and weapons, and, unbelievably, in cars. Known to be carcinogenic for humans, this chemical affects gastrointestinal, immunological, and respiratory systems in humans, and exposure typically occurs by breathing in dust containing it.

Another toxic substance that is found in cars is asbestos. Used by car manufacturers to insulate parts of the car that get very hot, asbestos is found in the valve rings, heat seals, brakes, and clutch linings of a car and even in interior locations such as the hood liner of the car. Asbestos exposure, the result of airborne asbestos fibers that are inhaled during brake repair and maintenance work, can cause mesothelioma, an inoperable and deadly form of lung cancer.

Xylene, a naturally occurring component of petroleum products such as gasoline and oil, is added to the upholstery, carpeting, and roofing fabric of automobiles. Xylene exposure occurs when the sun heats upholstery and plastics within the car's interior as well as during maintenance and repairs on cars. Typically entering the body through the lungs, this dangerous chemical induces neurological problems, gastrointestinal changes, and respiratory problems.

Motor oil is another toxic chemical that is found in automobiles. Composed of some hydrocarbons that are airborne and others that are transcutaneous, this chemical easily enters both the lungs and the dermis of the skin and induces nasal and throat irritation when humans are exposed to it. Exposure usually takes place when car owners or mechanics remove used motor oil from cars. An additional bit of information to keep in mind is the fact that medical researchers have proven that long-term exposure to motor oil causes skin cancer in mice.

Finally, antifreeze, which is used by automobile owners who live in areas that expose their cars to frigid temperatures, is used to accentuate the fluidity of motor oil throughout the car's engine. Sadly, this chemical is also poisonous to animals and humans when ingested. To prevent exposure to this toxic chemical, car owners are encouraged to take measures to prevent antifreeze leaks and to quickly dispose of any antifreeze that has leaked from their vehicle.

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