On-the-Go
Fewer chemicalsFlame retardants turned up in the cabin air of nearly all 101 cars tested, at 2–5× higher levels in summer.
Our pick
Coveted Shade pop-up windshield shade, 59×31.5"
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A reflective shade keeps direct sun off the dash and seats. The study’s authors suggest shade and fresh air to cut exposure.
Nearly half the seat-foam samples held the flame retardant TCIPP, which caused cancer in rats and mice in a 2023 federal study. The hotter the cabin, the more ends up in the air.
General information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or have a health condition.
Reflective shades are made of synthetic fabric. We haven’t found a natural one, and it doesn’t touch food or skin. Open the windows or use fresh-air mode, not recirculate, for the first few minutes of a drive.
Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.
Baby & Kids
Buying a car seat? More than half of US seats tested in 2022 contained flame retardants, yet 40+ models are now sold without them.
Our pick
Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One convertible seat (PureCosi), Sea Shadow
On-the-Go
About 1 in 3 US adults report health problems, such as headaches or breathing trouble, around scented products, and a car is a small, closed space.
Our pick
CLEVAST bamboo charcoal bags, 4 × 200 g
On-the-Go
Flimsy produce bags can’t go in your recycling bin, but cotton ones go in the wash and back to the store.
Our pick
KerKoor Organic Cotton Produce Bags, 12-pack (9 mesh + 3 muslin)
