Researchers have determined that California commuters are inhaling a shocking amount of chemicals that could put them at risk of cancer and birth defects. Benzene and formaldehyde are known carcinogens above certain levels of exposure and are Prop. 65-listed chemicals. A new UC Riverside research study showed that the average commuter in California is exceeding the threshold for exposure, breathing in unsustainably high levels of both chemicals.
"These chemicals are very volatile, moving easily from plastics and textiles to the air that you breathe," said David Volz, UCR professor of environmental toxicology.
The study found that up to 90% of the population in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Santa Clara, and Alameda counties have at least a 10% chance of exceeding cancer risk from inhaling the chemicals, based on having 30-minute average commute times.
Benzene is used to produce synthetic fibers, and formaldehyde is a binder in plastics. "There should be alternatives to these chemicals to achieve the same goals during vehicle manufacturing," Volz said. "If so, these should be used."