The unmistakable smell of a new car -- a mix of fresh plastic, paint, and upholstery – may be linked to a toxic cocktail of harmful chemicals, prompting Japanese automakers to attempt to tone down the smell. Their push to reduce cabin concentrations of the fumes could spur similar action by U.S. and European rivals.
VOCs
The new-car smell comes largely from chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These leach from glues, paints, vinyls and plastics in the passenger compartment. They have been known to cause headaches, sore throats, nausea, and drowsiness, and prolonged exposure to high concentrations can lead to cancer.
Sitting in a new car can subject riders to toxic emissions several times above the safety limits. The problem tends to dissipate after about six months.
Matching Guidelines for Homes
Earlier this year, Japanese automakers agreed to cut cabin levels of 13 of the compounds, including possible cancer-causing agents such as styrene and formaldehyde, to match guidelines for air quality in homes. This marks the first time automakers have adopted government guidelines on the matter.
U.S. Has No Regulations for Most VOCs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets no guidelines for volatile organic compounds in non-industrial settings. Formaldehyde, however, one of the potentially cancer-causing substances present in new cars, is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
