In the grand scheme of things, it seems like just about everything except water is carcinogenic these days, and even with good ol’ H2O, the source must often be called into question. But the latest finding from the Ecology Center is a bit of a shocker: The intoxicating scent of a brand new automobile is apparently due to truly toxic materials.
The big culprits are bromine, chlorine, and lead, which are frequently-used materials in car parts such as the steering wheel, shift knob, armrest/center console, dashboard, headliner, carpet, seat front, seat back, seat base, hard door trim, soft door trim, body sealer, wiring, window seal and wheel weights. Bromine is a popular flame-retardant chemical; chlorine is used in polyvinyl chloride, PVC and plasticizers. Lead and other heavy metals are used in alloys and plastic additives in your interior auto parts.
The immediate exposure to the driver and the passengers in these automobiles is alarming, but of equal concern is that these elements are passed on to the ecosystem when said cars are eventually junked.
When vehicles are discarded at the end of their life, the majority of plastic and other non-metallic parts are shredded and put in landfills or burned in incinerators. When discarded in landfills, harmful chemicals contained in vehicle plastics can leach out and contaminate soil and water. When incinerated, toxic chemicals are dispersed throughout the atmosphere.
200 of the most popular American rides were tested; the least and worst offenders are listed after the jump.
A partial list of the potential health ailments from exposure to this stuff includes: liver, thyroid and developmental problems in children, decreased fertility, allergies, birth defects, brain damage, liver toxicity, damage to the thyroid, ovaries, kidneys, and blood, and, of course, the big C.
HealthyCar.Org Released Today As First-Ever Consumer Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Cars; Over 200 New Vehicles Ranked for Environmental Safety [healthycar.org]
At my day job, I recently did an article on tech manufacturers’ “Green” policies. Yes, the new car odor that many adore, as well as that hideous plasticy scent that comes from shower curtains, are both caused by some nasty agents. Is there a way to duplicate that fine new car scent without deteriorating your insides.
Apparently, there is: http://www.lanescarproducts.com/newcarscent.html
You can make your bedroom smell like a new car with this junk. No word on its toxicity, but that color pink can’t be healthy for you.
car washes usually have a scent that is called “new car.” can’t tell you how it smells, but i doubt it’s dangerous.
This is really interesting to read, especially if you start looking for your own car on it.
I happen to drive a Volkswagen, so I looked at the new model VWs, and man, they’re all over the chart. From the Passat at 1.8, to the drop-top Beetle at 3.7.
There’s some weirdness going on: the GTI is a 2.1, but the Rabbit gets a 2.4, when they’re basically the same damn car. And the Jetta, which isn’t that different from either, is all the way up at 3.6.
The hardtop-convertible EOS is a 2.2, but the softtop-convertible Beetle is a 3.7.
What the hell is going on with that? Is VW just crazy, or is there some doubt as to the validity of the study?
You know what smells good about new cars? Fresh leather. That’s about the only thing I enjoy in the “new car smell”. You can keep it forever and ever if you just maintain your leather properly.
If there is no leather to be had, I’m thinking some nice Vanilla scent is where it’s at.
Or you could do Jasmine. I see that Kumho is making tires that put out a pleasant driving smell as your tires turn now. Sort of silly, but I think I’d like to be behind a car so equiped before I pass judgement.
They do have bad smell. We just have to be careful about it and don’t rush into some new cars. It can probably wait several days before taking it to the road. It’s our health that are at risk here.
That’s a bad start for excited people who wants to own a car. i think it’s a responsibility that car manufacturers must hold. New cars should be ready and not harmful.
All valid remarks, but has anyone ever questioned_when_this became a problem? IMO, the 2 main reasons for these high voc’s in newer cars has to do with the reliance on foam upholstery materials which are bad enough alone, but they_have_to contain flame retardants. Why you ask, as did I? When untreated foam burns, it sticks to the skin creating a greater hazard. The damn stuff should be banned altogether from cars and furniture. I believe before foam, cotton was used extensively which didn’t need flame retardants.
Regards,
Rick Hollett
HELP !
In Ocotber 2006, I purchased a new 2007 Toyota Solara convertible, slate gray color with a black cloth top. I have been dealing with Toyota for months trying to resolve the issue of the black convertible top emitting a strong chemical odor .
Toyota replaced the orginal black cloth top in June 2007, with a new factory black top, only to have that top smell just as bad. The dealership then stripped my car of all cloth seats and carpet and let them air out in the summer sun for 3 days, but to no avail, the convertible still stinks badly.
Passengers comment the car smells like strong chemicals, fish, dead mouse, etc. The odor becomes stronger as the temperature increases.
I told Toyota the odors bother my throat and eyes, but was told the odor will go away. They could not tell me when.
The convertible has been in the repair shop 22 days in one month. Toyota will not disclose to me how many other Toyota black top convertible owners have complained of this problem.
This is the 3rd convertible I have owned (other 2 were Chryslers, with no problems)
A friend of mine just purchased a red Ford mustang convertible with a black cloth top and it doesn’t have an odor !
Any suggestions ? This is very bothersome and I am concerned about health risks.
Toyota says it’s no longer there problem.
KRISTINE WOLFE
SEPTEMBER 4, 2007
To ALEX & whoever may be interested in the new car scent from Lanes Products: I tried the stuff and it smells good and it’s not overwhelming, but the scent only last a day or so. No worth the $20 in my opinon.
Kristine Wolfe:
We have a solara with a black top that has the same odor. We will be filing for arbitration. If you see this, post again so we can chat.
I bought a 2008 Mazda 3 and began getting sick. The new car smell is overwhelming and Toxic – We did formaldehyde tests and Car tested positive to deadly formaldehyde. Mazda will not do anything regarding the car. Mazda stance is that it is OK to poison people…We are looking for legal representaion against Mazda and thier wannabe attorney Mark Johanson. See the video – I filmed the tesing and results. Several people from the US have contacted me with formaldehyde poisioning from new cars.