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The new car smell is unmistakable. It is usually not an especially pleasant smell, but in our minds, it is registered as a positive aroma. After all, who doesn’t like getting into or driving a new car? After saving for so long to buy the car we like, the last thing we would want is for it to smell like a used vehicle.
Well, this characteristic smell has generated quite a bit of debate in the scientific community. Throughout these lines, we will discuss what causes this smell, whether we can prolong or shorten it, and whether it is harmless or harmful to our health.
What causes the “new car smell”?
There are numerous chemical compounds responsible for the characteristic smell of a new car. Although the mixture of these components varies by manufacturer, five common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be identified that make up most of the gases emitted inside new vehicles.
Toluene
Toluene is a liquid solvent that comes from crude oil and is known for being a main component of many nail polish removers. It is used in paints and glues, elements found inside a car. In addition, it is an anti-knock agent in gasoline and is found in vehicle exhaust gases.
Ethylbenzene
Ethylbenzene is another solvent, but in the form of a colorless, flammable gas. It is found in coal tar and petroleum, which explains its gasoline smell.
It is used in paints and in the production of styrene. Once released into the air, it breaks down into other compounds (presumably less odorous) in approximately three days.
Styrene
Styrene is a synthetic chemical compound created in laboratories, although it is also found in small amounts in certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
It is used in numerous materials present in vehicles, such as rubber, insulation, and carpet backing. It is produced in large quantities each year and breaks down in the air within a day or two after being released in the outgassing process.
Xylenes
Xylenes are sweet, highly flammable liquids present in coal tar and petroleum. They are used as solvents in the rubber and leather industries, making them part of the mixture that produces the new car smell. It is among the top 30 chemicals produced in the United States.
Trimethylbenzene
Trimethylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with a “strong and peculiar odor,” according to Toxipedia.org. It is used in solvents and thinners, as well as an additive in automotive fuels. This compound breaks down when exposed to sunlight, so parking in a sunny spot for a couple of days could help eliminate it more quickly.
The new car smell could cause cancer
Many people are glad that their car, even after more than a year, still smells new. What if we told you that your car’s new smell might be bad for your health? A recent study published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science suggests this smell could increase the risk of cancer.
Researchers at Harvard University and the Beijing Institute of Technology examined the air inside new vehicles parked outdoors for 12 days straight. Using sensors, they monitored the 20 most frequent chemicals used in car manufacturing. During the process, they found that the levels of these substances exceeded Chinese safety standards for air quality in cars. Of these substances, formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, exceeded the limits by 35%. In addition, another dangerous carcinogen, acetaldehyde, exceeded regulations by 61%.
Spending just 30 minutes a day in a car can expose a person to a sufficient amount of these carcinogens to run the risk of exceeding safety standards. Other compounds present in the new car smell are benzene and formaldehyde, both listed under “California Proposition 65” as likely to cause cancer and reproductive issues.
It is important to clarify that the levels of harmful substances vary depending on various factors, such as temperature, speed and ventilation mode, humidity, received solar radiation, interior materials, and vehicle equipment. Hence, scientists concluded that it is highly recommended to eliminate the new car smell as soon as possible.
How to effectively eliminate the new car smell?
Although the new car smell may be pleasant to some, it is important to remember that it is due to the presence of volatile organic compounds that can be harmful to health. Here are some tips to effectively eliminate this smell:
- Ventilate the vehicle: open the car windows and doors regularly, especially during the first few days or weeks after purchase. This will allow VOCs to disperse into the air and reduce the new car smell in the cabin.
- Park outdoors and in the sun: parking the car in sunny places favors the breakdown of VOCs and accelerates the odor elimination process. If possible, park your vehicle outdoors instead of in enclosed garages.
- Clean and condition the interior: use specific cleaning and conditioning products for car interiors, preferably those that are natural or free of harsh chemicals. Pay special attention to areas where VOCs concentrate, such as seats, dashboard, and floor mats.
- Install air purifiers: a car air purifier can help eliminate VOCs and other pollutants present in the cabin air. Look for a purifier with HEPA and activated carbon filters for best results.