Ever Wondered Where That New Car Smell Comes From?

Remember the last time you cruised by to "visit" your favorite new car at the nearest dealership? If the look and feel of that new car wasn't enough reason to make you buy it, the seductive mix of fresh plastic, paint and upholstery -- all part of that "new car" smell -- probably was. Experts advise, however, you should think twice about that alluring smell...

Seems that unmistakable scent has been linked to a toxic mix of harmful chemicals -- volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -- that come from the plastics, paints and glues that leach in the passenger area of your new car. Those fumes can be responsible for triggering headaches, sore throats and nausea.

Even worse, exposure to some of these VOCs over the long term increases your risk of cancer, although there's no evidence so far linking it to the smell of new cars. The cumulative effect of these VOCs are not unlike those associated with sick-building syndrome, that traces some illnesses to similar chemicals seeping from walls in new offices.

Recently, Japanese automakers set their own industry-wide goals to reduce VOCs, agreeing to cut cabin levels of 13 of the compounds, including possible cancer-causing agents styrene and formaldehyde, by 2007. The move came after the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association found new models made by its top three manufacturers failed to meet environmental guidelines.

Interesting... I like the new car smell. Brings back memories of first getting the car which, by the way, were very good memories.

Yeah new car smell is nice because we think it is the smell of a clean car, but in reality its the smell of all of the paint and glue that holds our cars together

To me, it's like the whole "hot dog scenario". It's composed of garbage that really isn't good for you... but you ignore that fact and eat them anyway because they're damn tasty.

I always hated the new car smell especially Ford, I got ripped on my first new car.
But you are talking right down my ally, clean air.. One of my businesses. This is what I use in my new car.
vvvvvvclickvvvvvv

i hope that's not one of those ionic breeze POS things that does absolutely nothing

Click and you'll find out what it is.

I like the new car smell and like to keep around more.
Won't let anyone smoke in my car.
When it wears out , I am thinking of buying a "new car smell" air freshner... :P

wow! it retails for $299???!!

Yeah it's high but this technology works. The Military uses our products, especially the living water systems.