NGT Seeks Further Progress Report From ICMR On Study Of Cancer Causing Chemicals Inside Vehicles

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken on record a progress report filed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) detailing steps undertaken towards conducting a scientific study to evaluate the health risks of flame-retardant exposure to drivers.

Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and Dr.A. Senthil Vel noted, "Dr. Sivaperumal, Scientist-E has submitted that the work is progressing as per the timeline disclosed and will be completed within 18 months."

In earlier proceedings, the Tribunal had considered an additional affidavit filed by ICMR on 22 July 2025, wherein a timeline of 18 months was disclosed for carrying out the study involving collection and analysis of biological samples. In view of the same, ICMR was directed to submit a progress report.

In compliance, ICMR filed a further affidavit dated 22 December 2025, stating that work on the project commenced from 24 September 2025. The affidavit outlines the progress made over approximately three months.

It was disclosed that the recruitment of staff has been completed, including the appointment of two Project Technicians-III who joined on 3 November 2025, and one Office Helper who joined on 4 December 2025.

With respect to procurement, the affidavit states that key chemicals and consumables such as solvents, formic acid, sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, and LC-MS grade water have been procured. Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) for the three flame-retardant compounds involved in the study have also been obtained. Procurement of metabolites of flame retardants and other consumables required for sample collection and analysis is currently underway.

ICMR further informed the Tribunal that field visits were conducted to two vehicle agencies located in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, identified as hot and arid zones, for the purpose of enrolling study participants.

The affidavit also states that the procurement of essential LC-MS equipment required for analysis is presently under process.

Dr. Sivaperumal, Scientist-E, submitted before the Tribunal that the study is progressing in accordance with the disclosed timeline and is expected to be completed within the stipulated 18-month period.

Taking note of the submissions, the Tribunal directed ICMR to file a further progress report at least one week prior to the next date of hearing.

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