New Delhi: National Green Tribunal has directed Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to submit a further progress report on its ongoing study into exposure to potentially cancer-causing flame-retardant chemicals inside cars. The research is now expected to be completed by May 2027.The direction was issued by NGT’s principal bench on Aug 13 in a case initiated after a report on exposure to flame-retardant chemicals used in vehicle materials.Appearing before the tribunal through video conferencing, an ICMR scientist said the study had commenced on Nov 3, 2025, and would take 18 months to complete. The study is being conducted across three regions that include southern, eastern and western India.According to the latest status placed before the tribunal, 60 samples are to be collected and analysed in each region, along with 97 control samples. In the western region, 50 samples had been collected and 40 had been analysed by the Aug 13 hearing. ICMR said the entire exercise would be completed by May 2, 2027.The study follows concerns raised after research published in Environmental Science and Technology found flame-retardant chemicals inside cars, including tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). These chemicals can potentially expose occupants through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.ICMR had earlier informed the tribunal that it proposed collecting blood and urine samples from professional drivers to assess exposure to these chemicals and their metabolites under different climatic and vehicular conditions. The proposed study was expected to assess the extent of exposure.Among the three compounds, ICMR has previously noted that TCEP is recognised as a carcinogen, while the evidence concerning the other compounds was less conclusive. The tribunal had sought a more detailed assessment of the potential health implications.NGT has allowed ICMR to submit another progress report at least a week before the next hearing. The matter has been listed for Nov 4.
