Guest guest Posted May 23, 2008 Report Share Posted May 23, 2008 New Car Smell Toxic _http://resourcesnews.tripod.com/dec-4.html_ (http://resourcesnews.tripod.com/dec-4.html) One way you can often recognize a new car when you're riding in it is that distinctive 'new car smell' - new materials used in the car's construction that are still giving off odors. Studies in Australia have suggested that far from being pleasant, those odors can be toxic. Researchers found high levels of air toxic emissions in new motor vehicles for six months and longer after they leave the showroom. Measurements made during the study found total volatile organic compound concentrations were initially very high, up to 64,000 micrograms per cubic metre. Controlled exposures of human subjects by other researchers to a 22-compound mixture at concentrations of less than half this have produced effects within minutes, such as discomfort, drowsiness, fatigue, eye/nose/throat irritation, and headaches. Air toxics found inside new cars during the study and the effects they may cause included: * Benzene - a known human carcinogen for which an annual exposure goal of 16 micrograms per cubic metre has been recommended in the UK * Acetone - a mucosal irritant * Cyclohexanone - a possible human carcinogen * Ethylbenzene - a systemic toxic agent * MIBK - a systemic toxic agent * n-Hexane - a neurotoxic agent * Styrene - a probable human carcinogen * Toluene - a central nervous system dysfunction agent * Xylene isomers - a foetal development toxic agent Researchers suggest that to reduce exposure to this toxic cocktail, people who buy new cars should make sure there is plenty of outside air entering the vehicle while they drive for at least six months after the vehicle has been purchased. They say that the ultimate solution would be cars with interior materials that produce low emissions. New car smell linked to cancer _http://www.skycrestauto.com/_ (http://www.skycrestauto.com/) One way you can often recognize a new car when you're riding in it is that distinctive 'new car smell' - new materials used in the car's construction that are still giving off odors. Studies in Australia have suggested that far from being pleasant, those odors can be toxic and can even cause cancer. A two-year study by an Australian government research organization found gases from vinyl and plastic materials in new cars cause headaches, nausea and drowsiness. Danger odors Benzene - carcinogen Acetone - irritant Ethyl benzene - toxin Xylene isomers - foetal toxin The chemicals involved include benzene - a known cancer-causing agent - which was found in one case at five times the recommended exposure limit. The study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) found emissions can take just a few minutes to take effect and may be responsible for many accidents. " Just as air inside our homes and workplaces is often much more polluted than the air outside, so sitting in a new car can expose you to [dangerous] levels of toxic emissions, " said the head of CSIRO's air quality control unit, Steve Brown. Long-term exposure could cause cancers and abnormalities in unborn babies. 'Spaced out' The study found anecdotal evidence of drivers becoming ill while driving their new cars. Symptoms included: headaches; lung irritation, swellings; and feeling " spaced out " . He advised people who buy new cars to take measures to ensure plenty of fresh air circulates within the car while driving for the first six months. The automotive industry has criticized the study, saying people are exposed to similar substances every day. A spokesman for the Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said the anecdotal evidence could be due to the people involved being particularly sensitive to the chemicals. Measurements Researchers found high levels of air toxic emissions in new motor vehicles for six months and longer after they leave the showroom. Measurements made during the study found total volatile organic compound concentrations were initially very high, up to 64,000 micrograms per cubic meter. Controlled exposures of human subjects by other researchers to a 22-compound mixture at concentrations of less than half this have produced effects within minutes, such as discomfort, drowsiness, fatigue, eye/nose/throat irritation, and headaches. Air toxics found inside new cars during the study and the effects they may cause included: * Benzene - a known human carcinogen for which an annual exposure goal of 16 micrograms per cubic meter has been recommended in the UK * Acetone - a mucosal irritant * Cyclohexanone - a possible human carcinogen * Ethylbenzene - a systemic toxic agent * MIBK - a systemic toxic agent * n-Hexane - a neurotoxic agent * Styrene - a probable human carcinogen * Toluene - a central nervous system dysfunction agent * Xylene isomers - a foetal development toxic agent Researchers suggest that to reduce exposure to this toxic cocktail, people who buy new cars should make sure there is plenty of outside air entering the vehicle while they drive for at least six months after the vehicle has been purchased. They say that the ultimate solution would be cars with interior materials that produce low emissions. New car smell linked to cancer, BBC News _http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1719214.stm_ (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1719214.stm) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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