Cancer by car? NGT asks govt, BIS and more to clarify

The National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) has raised concerns over the use of potentially harmful chemicals in car interiors, prompting a legal inquiry into their safety. The chemicals in question—TDCIPP and TCEP—are used as flame retardants in vehicles and have been linked to cancer risks . Acting on a media report that brought these concerns to light, the NGT has sought responses from several key regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).



In a recent order, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Justices Sudhir Agarwal and A Senthil Vel, pointed out that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) currently lacks the capability to test whether these substances are carcinogenic. Meanwhile, a report submitted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on September 10 did not provide a clear stance on the cancer risks associated with these chemicals.

In light of this, the tribunal has directed other agencies, including the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Projects ( NATRIP ), to submit their responses. These organizations have been given eight weeks to provide their statements, and the matter will be revisited on January 3, 2025.

This ongoing case highlights increasing concerns around vehicle safety and the possible health hazards posed by the materials used in manufacturing. Regulatory bodies are now under pressure to investigate and clarify the potential dangers these chemicals may pose to car users.