New Car Smell May Contain Benzene

[Guest guest]

Well, Snopes.com says that is a Urban legend. But I have found that Snopes.com isn't always right. It's only a husband and wife that runs it. Below is an article from an attorney. So, I think part of it is at least correct. And it wouldn't hurt to roll down the windows before climbing in. I keep my windows down for a couple of minutes, after I turn the AC on. I don't like the smell of the AC, that occurs sometimes, after turning it on. But it does dissipate.

http://www.benzene-lawyer.com/news/car-smell.html

"New Car Smell May Contain Benzene "

October 10, 2006

A recent study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) shows that the new car smell may be deadly. The vinyl, plastics, carpet, adhesives, and other products found in new cars may emit benzene, formaldehyde, and other dangerous gases.

The toxic emission levels within a new car's interior are much higher than what is considered safe for the home or workplace.

The toxic chemicals are released as the plastic, glue, carpeting, and other materials stabilize. These emissions can cause sore throats, nausea, headaches, and drowsiness in the short term. Long-term exposure to some of these chemicals – especially benzene – may cause cancer, or birth defects.

Heat may increase the release of toxins, so the danger is more severe on hot days. Women who are pregnant should exercise extra care by keeping windows or vents open. Using cleaning products in the car's interior is not advised.

Fortunately, it is believed that these chemicals dissipate in about six months.

These dangers are known, and most Japanese car manufacturers are taking steps to reduce the toxic chemical levels in their newest cars' interiors. Some are employing air conditioning filters that remove the chemicals from the air, some are changing interior materials, and working on new adhesives that emit fewer toxic chemicals.

Some manufacturers are using the lower chemical levels as a selling point, and there is hope that this trend will catch on.

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