Damage from cars

2025: In the salons of Chinese hybrid cars, radiation exceeds the norm by 8 times

Researchers at Perm National Research Polytechnic University have identified critical levels of electromagnetic radiation in the salons of Chinese hybrid cars that are eight times higher than safe norms. The maximum intensity of the electric field reaches 200 volts per meter during acceleration, which significantly exceeds the established safe limit of 25 volts per meter. This was reported by university scientists in August 2025.

According to Perm Polytechnic, the study was carried out against the background of the rapid growth in the popularity of environmentally friendly transport in Russia. In 2024, sales of hybrid cars increased 2.9 times, reaching 62.8 thousand units. A significant share of this market is occupied by Chinese-made models, actively filling the niche vacated after the departure of Western automotive brands.

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Фото: Freepik

Sources of electromagnetic radiation in hybrid cars are radically different from traditional machines with internal combustion engines. In conventional cars, radiation is created by a generator, spark plugs with high-voltage pulses and interior electronics. At the same time, the body functions as a resonator concentrating electromagnetic fields.

Director of the Institute of Road Construction and Transport PNIPU, Candidate of Technical Sciences Alexei Shcheludyakov explained the fundamental differences in radiation sources. According to him, in electric vehicles and hybrids, the main generators of electromagnetic fields are a traction electric motor, which creates a strong alternating magnetic field during operation, and high-power lithium-ion batteries.

The peculiarity of electric transport consists in the flow of currents of much greater force through power cables - up to hundreds of amperes, which creates electromagnetic fields corresponding in power. Additional sources of radiation are powerful inverters that convert the direct current of the battery into an alternating current for the electric motor, and chargers, especially located close to passengers.^[1]

2024:99% of cars in the US found cancer-causing substances in salons

99% of cars made in the United States contain potentially carcinogenic flame suppressors found in seat coverings and other interior details. This was reported on May 8, 2024 by Newsweek, citing a scientific study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Scientists from Duke University (Duke University) examined 101 cars produced since 2015 in the United States, for the presence of harmful gases. 99% of them contained a flame suppressor called TCIPP triphosphate, which is currently being investigated for carcinogenicity. In addition, in most cars, flame suppressors from organophosphates were found, which are on the list of carcinogens.

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Фото: Unsplash

Our research found that interior materials release harmful chemicals into the car's air. Given that the average driver spends about an hour a day in the car, this is a serious threat to health care, commented study leader Rebekah Honne.

Flame suppressors are added to the upholstery of the chair to meet the car's interior safety standards in the United States. Many of these chemicals either may contain carcinogens or are on the list of carcinogenic materials. Many of the chemicals are also mentioned in research related to reproductive and neurological problems.

The materials in the upholstery themselves are not dangerous, but under certain conditions they go into a gas state and can be in the air inside the car.

Some experts also note the dubious benefit of a flame suppressor in a fire. So, according to Patrick Morrison, a member of the International Association of Firefighters, flame suppressors do not help reduce the flame, but only make it more smoky and poisonous for victims, as well as for the firefighters themselves.

Firefighters are concerned that flame suppressors are affecting their already high cancer rates, Morrison added.

To reduce the effect of chemicals on humans, experts recommend drivers to drive with open windows and park a car in the shade.^[2]

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