NGT pulls up ICMR, seeks progress report on Cancer-Causing Chemicals inside vehicles
Indicative photo of air sample being taken in a car
Shimla, Dec 29,
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a detailed progress update from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on its ongoing scientific study assessing cancer-causing flame-retardant chemicals inside vehicles, warning that public health exposure risks must be thoroughly investigated.
Hearing a suo motu case triggered by an NDTV report titled “People Are Breathing In Cancer-Causing Chemicals In Their Cars, Study Finds” (May 8, 2024), the NGT Principal Bench noted multiple developments made by ICMR since the project began.
The Tribunal recorded that the study commenced on September 24, 2025 and has advanced into participant enrollment and sample collection. The progress report filed by ICMR on December 22, 2025 outlines staff recruitment, procurement of certified flame-retardant chemical standards, and field visits in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar — designated as hot and arid zones for exposure sampling.
Quoting directly from the official order, the Tribunal observed that ICMR “is taking all necessary steps required for conducting the study” and that work “is progressing as per the timeline disclosed and will be completed within 18 months.”
The 18-month investigation involves collection and analysis of biological samples from vehicle drivers to assess health impacts of exposure to flame retardants — substances widely used in car interiors, dashboards, foam seats, and plastics. Global studies have linked certain flame retardants to cancer, hormonal disruptions, neurological issues, and other chronic illnesses.
However, procurement of crucial LC-MS equipment — required to detect minute chemical traces — remains ongoing. The Bench directed ICMR to ensure timely progress and file the next compliance report at least a week prior to the next hearing.
Emphasizing oversight, Justice Prakash Shrivastava said the Tribunal requires continued updates “before the next date of hearing,” signalling that the public health stakes are too high to allow delays.
Environmental health experts say India lacks standardized monitoring of chemical exposure inside vehicles despite rising urban commute times and closed-cabin environments increasing inhalation risks.
The matter will be next heard on April 28, 2026.
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