Many people find the scent of a brand-new automobile to be intoxicating, while some may think it is the coolest thing since puff puff.
Freshly mixed chemicals, adhesives, and materials used in making automobiles have a scent that exudes newness, cleanliness, and elegance.
But, did you know that exciting new car smell may not be so good for your health?
Recent studies by Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center, have revealed that the environment and human health may be negatively impacted by the new car fragrance.
The scent of a new car is actually a blend of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released from various places inside the vehicle.
These VOCs, which can be inhaled in high concentrations and are known to irritate the respiratory tract and produce headaches, nausea, and dizziness, they contain benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and others. However, they have been connected to more severe health impacts like cancer, brain impairment, and reproductive issues.
The US Environmental Protection Agency claims that (EPA), the new car’s VOC concentration may be up to ten times greater than what is deemed safe for indoor air quality.
The EPA has also discovered that a car’s cabin can contain levels of VOCs that are up to 30 times higher in the first few months of use than they are a year later. This is due to the fact that as a car ages and heats up, interior materials like carpets, textiles, and plastics emit toxic compounds over time.
The unhealthy effects of the new car scent extend beyond the wellbeing of the passengers. Moreover, VOCs have a significant role in air pollution and climate change. In the event that VOCs are released into the environment, they may cause sunlight and other pollutants to form ground-level ozone, which is a primary component of smog.
Ozone at ground level can harm crops and other vegetation, aggravate asthma and other lung conditions, and irritate the eyes and respiratory system.
Low-VOC materials and adhesives are now being used by automobile manufacturers to lessen the negative impacts of the new car smell.
Moreover, several automakers have created cabin air filtration systems that can eliminate VOCs and other contaminants. These precautions are noteworthy but yet, many vehicles continue to release large amounts of VOCs.
How can you protect yourself? Do these following steps:
- Ventilate your car:
When driving, thoroughly ventilate your vehicle by rolling down the windows to let in more fresh air, especially in the first six months after purchasing a new vehicle.
- Heat Up:
Increasing the interior temperature of the car causes the chemicals to be released into the air. The chemicals are then expelled from the car by ventilating it, stopping them before they can be reabsorbed.
After allowing the interior to air out, wipe out all surfaces with a microfiber towel and a little vinegar.
- Use Soda Or Charcoal:
To help absorb any additional toxins that your car interior may emit, leave some charcoal or soda in disposable plastic boxes under the car seat.
In conclusion, even if the scent of a brand-new car may be alluring, it’s crucial to be mindful of any potential negative effects the scent can have on your health.