| Some people love the smell of a new car. The | | | | A recent Japanese study found that the VOCs in |
| familiar odor has become associated with the joy | | | | a new minivan were over 35 times the health limit |
| of owning a new, spotless vehicle. You can even | | | | the day after its delivery. Japanese automobile |
| buy air freshener that mimics the smell of a new | | | | manufacturers have become the first to set goals |
| car. The fumes inside a new car, however, make | | | | for reducing VOCs in new cars. According to an |
| many people very sick, and scientific research | | | | alliance representing General Motors, Ford, and |
| shows that the much-sought-after new car smell | | | | DaimlerChrysler, the U.S. auto manufacturers do |
| poses serious health risks. | | | | not follow the issue of VOC emission in new cars. |
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other | | | | Like the smell, the chemical effect eventually |
| toxic chemicals constitute the new car smell. VOC | | | | wears off, typically after about six to eight |
| fumes emanate from glues, paints, vinyls, and | | | | months. During those months, try to avoid parking |
| plastics inside new cars. They can trigger | | | | in direct sunlight, and use a solar reflector |
| headaches, breathing difficulties, sore throats, | | | | whenever possible since heat causes even more |
| nausea, and drowsiness. Studies have found 50-60 | | | | VOCs to escape into the air. |
| different VOCs in new cars. | | | | Good ventilation is the key to avoiding VOC illness. |
| The problem is similar to "sick building syndrome," | | | | Let in fresh air as frequently as possible by |
| in which people become ill when toxic chemicals | | | | opening doors, rolling down windows, and running |
| seep from walls, carpets, and fixtures of new | | | | the air conditioning. |
| buildings. Automobile cabins, on the other hand, are | | | | Many allergy sufferers, however, try to avoid the |
| smaller, more confined spaces where air pollution | | | | outdoor air (and pollen) during allergy season. For |
| has a more intense impact on occupants. | | | | such allergy sufferers, the ultimate solution is a |
| According to a 2001 study by Australia's | | | | portable HEPA air purifier with a VOC filter. Simply |
| Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research | | | | plug the air purifier into your car's cigarette lighter, |
| Organization, simply sitting in a new car can | | | | and it will effectively rid your automobile of |
| subject passengers to toxic emissions well | | | | allergens, VOCs, noxious odors, and other |
| beyond safe levels. | | | | pollutants that find their way into your car. |
| "We find new car interiors have much higher VOC | | | | Hopefully more countries will follow Japan's lead, |
| levels than any building we've researched," said | | | | and in a few years, maybe new cars won't emit |
| researcher Steve Brown. "Ultimately, what we | | | | toxic fumes. But at least we'll still have the |
| need are cars with interior materials that produce | | | | scented air freshener to remind us! |
| lower emissions." | | | | |