New Car Smell: The Hidden Dangers in Automobiles

The worldwide reliance on the use of the automobile as a primary mode of transportation continues with the introduction of new vehicle lines, the popularity of widely-known nameplates and recent innovations surrounding electric and hybrid power. Unfortunately, the manufacture of many automobiles both past and present continue to pose health-related risks due to the use of potentially harmful substances.

The reality remains that many of these substances are widely accepted as harmful to humans, while posing an increased potential for health-related dangers to children and seniors.

While manufacturing and occupational safety standards have either eliminated or greatly reduced the use of substances such as asbestos in the building of automobiles, cars built before the implementation of current standards still pose great harm to drivers and passengers alike.

The following is a list of toxic substances currently found in both new and older model vehicles manufactured worldwide.

Asbestos

Though many countries have eliminated the use of asbestos in the manufacture of vehicle parts, items such as brake pads and lining, clutch facings and gaskets contain the toxic substance. Exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring fiber, has been linked to ailments such as mesothelioma, respiratory issues and asbestosis. Classic cars and older vehicle nameplates pose an additional risk, as these vehicles predate current asbestos standards.

Lead

Researchers in both the scientific and health-care fields have long documented the danger of lead use in manufacturing. For many years, automotive practices such as the use of lead-based gasoline and the addition of lead in vehicle plastics posed considerable risks to automotive patrons. Specifically, researchers link lead-based compounds with learning defects, birth complications and various forms of cancer. Though safety standards significantly reduce the use of lead in vehicles, classic or older model vehicles continue to carry a significant lead-related risk.


Volatile Organic Compounds

By definition, the phrase Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) describes the gases emitted by solids or liquids contained in an indoor space. Additionally, the measure of Volatile Organic Compounds helps determine the level of indoor air quality. In automobiles, VOCs result from the use of vehicle coatings and plastic-related adhesives and sealers. While the pleasant scent related to the phenomena of "new car smell" remains attractive to many, the truth remains that the smell is often generated by the release of VOCs in the interior of the vehicle. To reduce the health risks related to VOC producing compounds such as formaldehyde, vehicle owners should allow an ample amount of outside air to pass through the interior during the initial 90 days of vehicle use.

Conclusion
While the introduction of stringent vehicle manufacturing standards in both the US and abroad greatly reduces the risk of toxic exposure, the presence of older or classic vehicles raises continued concern. To promote health, automotive patrons must conduct effective research and take appropriate action to avoid the dangers of exposure to lead-based compounds and the like. The wealth information available both online and through traditional means assists the vehicle owner in understanding items such as the signs and symptoms related to hazardous materials and the laws regarding the regulation of these chemicals.

Thanx to Brian Turner for this post...