The New Car Smell
An Australian study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization has shown that the “new car smell” can cause headaches, sore throat, drowsiness, nausea, and even serious health conditions such as cancer and abnormalities in unborn babies. It can take just a few minutes to take effect and may even cause accidents.
The new car smell is generated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the plastic, glue and carpeting. These compounds contain two carcinogens, benzene and formaldehyde.
The situation can worsen when the weather is hot as well as when cleaning solutions or stain guards are used. Exposure to the toxic emissions in a new car is several times the limits considered safe for homes or offices.
Drivers cruising in their new vehicle are advised to wind down windows until the new materials stabilize (i.e. when the smell fades away), which takes about 6 months.
Reference : “New Car Drivers Exposed to Toxic Emissions” Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Media Release, 19 Dec 2001 Ref:2001/290
Subscribe to my RSS feed for regular updates.
