New car smell

New car smell is the odor that comes from the combination of materials found in new automobiles, as well as other vehicles like buses or trucks. Although the scent is described as pleasant by some, there is some question about the possibility that these chemicals pose a health risk.

For the Homeland episode, see New Car Smell (Homeland).
Interior of a new vehicle

Chemical composition

Both the scent and what produces it vary somewhat in different kinds of cars. Most of the interior of an automobile consists of plastic held together with a number of adhesives and sealers. Such materials release volatile organic compounds, via outgassing or offgassing. These fumes are generally attributed mixtures of many different chemicals offgassing and to plasticizers, although their vapor pressures are very low and they are not considered volatile.[1]

Researchers tested more than 200 U.S. vehicles of model years 2011–2012 for chemicals such as organobromine compounds (associated with brominated flame retardants, or BFRs), organochlorine compounds (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), and heavy metals that off-gas from various parts such as the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests and seats.[2]

Some recommend keeping new cars well ventilated while driving, especially during the summer. A 1995 analysis of the air from a new Lincoln Continental found over 50 volatile organic compounds, which were identified as coming from sources such as cleaning and lubricating compounds, paint, carpeting, leather and vinyl treatments, latex glue, and gasoline and exhaust fumes. An analysis two months after the initial one found a significant reduction in the chemicals. The researchers observed that the potential toxicity of many of these compounds could pose a danger to human health.[3]

The total volatile organic compound levels can reach 7,500 micrograms per cubic meter.[4] Concentrations decayed approximately 90% over a three-week period. Over sixty chemical compounds were identified inside the interiors of the four vehicles in this study.

In some instances the odor results from a manufacturing defect. According to official documents of Bentley Motors (BT26), an "obnoxious odor" in Bentley cars for model years 1999–2002 was traced to a rust inhibitor.[5] In some cultures, the new car smell is not considered desirable and manufacturers work to eliminate it.[6]

Health hazards

A two-year study[7] released in 2001 by the CSIRO in Australia found several health problems associated with these chemicals. CSIRO research scientist, Dr Stephen Brown, reported anecdotal accounts of disorientation, headache, and irritation in some drivers of new cars. He measured pollutant levels in new cars that were sufficient to cause similar effects within minutes in controlled experiments by other researchers. Chemicals found in the cars included the carcinogen benzene, two other possible carcinogens cyclohexanone and styrene, and several other toxic chemicals.

A more recent study in Japan found that the volatile organic chemicals in a new minivan were over 35 times the health limit the day after its delivery. In four months levels had fallen under the limit but increased again in the hot summer months, taking three years to permanently remain below the limit. The limits were set by the Japanese health ministry in response to more car owners suffering from sick building syndrome.[8] A Daily Telegraph article on the study described the enjoyment of new car smell as "akin to glue-sniffing".[9]

Yet another study showed little toxicity in new car odors.[10]

References
  1. Ritter, Steve (2002). "New Car Smell: VOCs Account for the Characteristic 'Newness'". Chemical and Engineering News. 80 (20): 45. doi:10.1021/cen-v080n020.p045. ISSN 0009-2347.
  2. "New Ecology Center Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Cars Helps Consumers Avoid a Major Source of Indoor Air Pollution" (Press release). Ecology Center. Archived from the original on March 8, 2015.
  3. Overton, Santford V.; Manura, John J. "Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds in a New Automobile". Scientific Instrument Services. Archived from the original on March 7, 2005. Retrieved July 9, 2005.
  4. Grabbs, James S.; Corsi, Richard L.; Torres, Vincent M. (October 2000). "Volatile Organic Compounds in New Automobiles: Screening Assessment". Journal of Environmental Engineering. 126 (10): 974–977. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(2000)126:10(974).
  5. "'Obnoxious Odor' A Lemon Makes". The Auto Channel.
  6. Truong, Alice (20 November 2018). "Ford's found a way to appease Chinese consumers who hate the new-car smell". Quartz (publication). Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  7. "New Car Drivers Exposed to Toxic Emissions". Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. December 19, 2001. Archived from the original on August 4, 2007.
  8. "JAMA Announces Voluntary Guidelines for Reducing Vehicle Cabin VOC Concentration Levels" (Press release). Japan Auto Manufacturers Association. February 14, 2005.
  9. Clover, Charles (January 15, 2003). "Enjoying the Smell of a New Car 'Is like Glue-Sniffing'". The Daily Telegraph. London.
  10. Choi, Charles (April 6, 2007). "That New-Car Smell? Not Toxic, Study Finds". Live Science.
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