Is that New Car Smell Dangerous?

As if driving wasn't dangerous enough, yet another in-car hazard rears it's ugly head. A recent study conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), shows that the "new car smell" that everyone likes so much may in fact be deadly. According to the study, vinyl and plastic materials in new cars may emit toxic gases.

Long-term exposure to the volatile organic compounds (VOC) may cause cancer and birth defects. The toxic chemicals, released by plastic, glue and carpeting in cars can cause headaches, sore throats, nausea, and drowsiness. When the interior materials are new, they release gases as they stabilize. Some of the chemicals released include two known carcinogens: benzene and formaldehyde.

The danger is more severe on hot days. Opening the car's windows or vents will help clear the interior of poisonous gases, but in heavy traffic, smog may be a bigger health threat. Using cleaning solutions and stain guards is not advised, and expecting mothers are advised to exersize extra caution. Passengers of new cars are subjected to toxic emissions that are well in excess of the limits deemed safe for homes or offices.

The good news is that VOCs are believed to dissipate after six months, and most Japanese manufacturers are working on reducing the levels of potentially harmful compounds in their newest cars. Six Toyota models already feature reduced VOC levels, and Nissan has made four vehicles with safer interiors. Better yet, these manufacturers are using the lower VOC levels as a key selling point, and this trend will probably catch on globally.

Japanese efforts to reduce in-cabin VOC levels include: Nissan changing its seats, door trim, carpets and adhesives, Honda adding an A/C filter to absorbs some VOCs, Toyota replacing a trunk lining, and Mazda working on new adhesives. In the United States, Ford claims it is actively trying to reduce VOC levels and General Motors said it is monitoring the issue globally, but neither company would elaborate on their statements.

The motivation behind Japanese efforts at VOC reduction stem from the car manufacturers attempting to comply with Japanese Health Ministry guidelines for air quality in homes. These standards were put in place in 2002 to combat 'sick building syndrome' that was thought to be brought on by fumes from carpet, paint and fixtures.

So what can you do to protect yourself? Try these tips:

*If your car is parked in the sun, open your door for a few minutes to get some fresh air into your car.
*open the windows often, and don't use the recirculate option on your climate controls.
*minimize your driving time during the first six months of vehicle ownership.