Ever Wondered Where That New Car Smell Comes From?

The unmistakable smell of a new car — a mix of fresh plastic,
paint, and upholstery ndash; may be linked to a toxic cocktail
of harmful chemicals, prompting Japanese automakers to attempt
to tone down the smell Their push to reduce cabin
concentrations of the fumes could spur similar action by US
and European rivals
VOCs
The new-car smell comes largely from chemicals known as volatile
organic compounds, or VOCs These leach from glues, paints,
vinyls and plastics in the passenger compartment They have been
known to cause headaches, sore throats, nausea, and drowsiness,
and prolonged exposure to high concentrations can lead to cancer
Sitting in a new car can subject riders to toxic emissions
several times above the safety limits The problem tends to
dissipate after about six months
Matching Guidelines for Homes
Earlier this year, Japanese automakers agreed to cut cabin
levels of 13 of the compounds, including possible cancer-causing
agents such as styrene and formaldehyde, to match guidelines for
air quality in homes This marks the first time automakers have
adopted government guidelines on the matter
US Has No Regulations for Most VOCs
The US Environmental Protection Agency sets no guidelines for
volatile organic compounds in non-industrial settings
Formaldehyde, however, one of the potentially cancer-causing
substances present in new cars, is regulated by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration
USA Today September 26, 2005
Dr Mercola’s Comment:I’ve discussedVOCs beforeinthis
newsletter– they can be emitted from many items found aboutyour
home and inyour environment, including:

• Solvents
  
• Paints
• Hobby supplies
• Floor adhesives
• Cleaning
  products
• Polishes
• Room fresheners
• Fitted carpet
  

It’s great that Japanese automakers are taking this initiative,
and I hope the idea spreads After all, some of the VOCs — such
as styrene and formaldehyde — can potentially give you cancer
Toxins are all around us and if you want to increase your
awareness of the potential dangers that you might not have known
about I would encourage you to reviewthe 10 most common toxins
that surround you and how to protect your family from them
Some useful methods include:

• Buy and eat, as much as
  possible, organic produce and free-range, organic foods
  
• Rather than eating fish, which is largely contaminated with
  PCBs and mercury, consume a high-quality purified fish or cod
  liver oil
• Avoid processed foods — remember that they’re
  processed with chemicals!
• Only use natural cleaning products
  in your home Most health food stores will have these available
  or you can search on line for them
• Switch over to natural
  brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste,
  antiperspirants and cosmetics
• Remove any metal fillings as
  they’re a major source of mercury Be sure to have this done by
  a qualified biological dentist
• Avoid using artificial air
  fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic
  fragrances as they can pollute the air you are
  breathing
• Avoid artificial food additives of all kind,
  including artificial sweeteners and MSG
• Have your tap water
  tested and, if contaminants are found, install an appropriate
  water filter on all your faucets (even those in your shower or
  bath)

Tags | automakers, causing, chemicals, compounds, environmental, government, health, japanese, safety, toxic, unmistakable