New Honda Civic's interior rated least toxic

In the aim to help consumer to make wise decisions in car purchase, Ecology Center, based in Miami in the United States, have published a report on the hazardous level of individual car interiors. The vehicles were tested for chemicals that were released into the air by components such as steering wheel, dashboard, armrests and seats. The 2012 Honda Civic was ranked the least hazardous, followed by Toyota Prius and Honda CR-Z.

Jeff Gearhart, Research Director at the Ecology Center commented, "Research shows that vehicle interiors contain a unique cocktail of hundreds of toxic chemicals that off-gas in small, confined spaces. Since these chemicals are not regulated, consumers have no way of knowing the dangers they face. Our testing is intended to expose those dangers and encourage manufacturers to use safer alternatives."

Among the worst rated vehicles were the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Kia Soul amd Nissan Versa, with bromine-based flame retardants found in most interior components, which poses a health threat for the occupants.