Materials in cars are being tested to reduce allergy flare ups


With spring almost in the air, Ford engineers are trying to take more of the "ah-choo" out of cars by reducing use of materials known to inflame allergies.

That means less latex, heavalent chrome, chromium or nickel, especially in high-touch areas like seats, steering wheels, armrests, door handles and shifters, Ford says.

The allergy issue plays out in a big way in the new Fusion sedan, where engineers tested more than 100 materials to see if they might have allergy issues.

"Allergies affect large numbers of people, so anything we can do to reduce potential allergens inside Ford vehicles we do through rigorous, controlled testing," said Linda Schmalz, supervisor of core material engineering for Ford, in a statement.

Ford says its testers make sure dyes and formaldehyde are strictly limited to levels that are acceptable even for clothing.