new Delhi, June 1 -- This summer, a simple car ride in urban traffic can be worse for your health than you might know. The reason is, our car interiors off-gas significant amounts of chemicals, which we inhale. A study by scientists from Duke University, University of Berkeley and University of Toronto, found a flame retardant called TCIPP (tris(1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate) was being released in the air, likely from the foam in seats. It was 2-5 times higher in the summer than winter. It is linked with skewing the body's hormonal and nervous system. The researchers conclude, for California, that their research raises concerns for people who spend significant time in their vehicles, not only during long commutes but also in traffic jams. This is all valid for us in India, where our cars are exposed to much greater heat and traffic congestion. This might even cause us much greater health problems. The ultimate prevention lies in innovation where safer materials offer the same, or better applications. Till that happens, roll down windows in a car that has been parked in the heat, park cars in the shade and keep windows rolled down when parked, if you can....