alternatives
When considering alternatives, HealthyCar.org
suggests that manufacturers utilize a three-point approach, listed in order of
environmental preference:
- Change the product: Redesign or engineer the auto component to eliminate the need for a toxic chemical. This can be done, for example, by eliminating the need for foams that contain BFRs, or enhancing barriers between foam and fabric.
- Change the material: Select an alternative material that does not require the toxic chemical.
- Change the chemical: For example, replace BFRs with an alternative flame retardant that is non-halogenated (i.e., does not contain bromine, chlorine or other halogens).
In addition to following this general approach, manufacturers should implement a comprehensive chemicals policy. Key elements of a comprehensive chemicals policy are outlined in detail in our Chemical Policy Fact Sheet. Below are links to other reports that provide guidance to automakers on considering safer alternatives to chemicals analyzed by HealthyCar.org.
- Healthy Business Strategies for Transforming the Toxic Chemical Economy
- Creating Safe and Healthy Spaces: Selecting Materials that Support Healing
- Alternatives Assessment Framework of the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production
HealthyCar.org testing found that some companies are producing vehicles and car seats that meet stringent safety standards without using harmful compounds like PVC and Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) in the components tested. The charts below illustrates this. Overall, 38% of the vehicle components tested contained no PVC or BFRs. Similarly, 28% of all car seat components tested contained no PVC or BFRs.
Number of Bromine-Free and PVC-Free Vehicle Components
Component | Number | Number | Number | Number | Number | |||||
Armrest/Center Console |
86 | 50% |
87 | 51% | 47 | 22% | 150 | 71% | 89 | 42% |
Carpet | 171 | 99% | 93 | 54% | 107 | 51% | 145 | 69% | 175 | 83% |
Door trim (hard) | 152 | 88% | 101 | 59% | 118 | 56% | 166 | 79% | 178 | 84% |
Door Trim (soft) | 85 | 49% | 67 | 39% | 26 | 12% | 125 | 59% | 60 | 28% |
Exterior Window Seal | 107 | 62% | 135 | 78% | 99 | 47% | 167 | 79% | 129 | 61% |
Front Seat (front) | 164 | 95% | 25 | 15% | 33 | 16% | 107 | 51% | 124 | 59% |
Front Seat (rear) | 96 | 56% | 66 | 38% | 27 | 13% | 130 | 62% | 68 | 32% |
Headliner | 170 | 99% | 70 | 41% | 83 | 39% | 165 | 78% | 201 | 95% |
IP | 138 | 80% | 97 | 56% | 101 | 48% | 167 | 79% | 163 | 77% |
Seat base | 167 | 97% | 118 | 69% | 140 | 66% | 162 | 77% | 196 | 93% |
Shift Knob | 123 | 72% | 104 | 60% | 77 | 36% | 166 | 79% | 134 | 64% |
Steering Wheel | 166 | 97% | 92 | 53% | 107 | 51% | 153 | 73% | 200 | 95% |
All Components | 1,625 | 79% | 1,055 | 51% | 965 | 38% | 1,803 | 71% | 1,717 | 68% |
* Virtually Halogen Free is defined as components with no Cl/PVC and Br concentrations >100 ppm.
Number of Bromine-Free and PVC-Free Child Car Seat Components
Component | Number | Number | Number | Number | Number | |||||
Base |
62 | 100% |
44 | 71% | 44 | 71% | 56 | 90% | 56 | 90% |
Clip | 51 | 100% | 9 | 18% | 9 | 18% | 31 | 61% | 31 | 61% |
EPS Foam | 26 | 100% | 4 | 15% | 4 | 15% | 6 | 23% | 6 | 23% |
Seat | 62 | 100% | 5 | 8% | 5 | 8% | 25 | 40% | 25 | 40% |
Shade | 8 | 47% | 1 | 6% | 0 | 0% | 3 | 18% | 0 | 0% |
Trim | 0 | 0% | 1 | 20% | 0 | 0% | 3 | 60% | 0 | 0% |
All Components | 209 | 94% | 64 | 29% | 62 | 28% | 124 | 56% | 118 | 53% |
* Virtually Halogen Free is defined as components with no Cl/PVC and Br concentrations >100 ppm.
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