Did you know "New Car Smell" could make some people sick?

Some people just love the new car smell. It's the smell of clean, shinny and spotless everything! Some people even purchase the "New Car Smell" products to make their car smell like new. What they might not realize is that the new car smell could make some people sick.

New car smells or scents come from various products such as plastic, glue, paint, carpet, upholstery, foam seats, and other manufactured parts. Some of these parts could emanate toxic fumes.

A study was performed by an Australian doctor Stephen Brown (New car drivers exposed to toxic emissions, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, December 19, 2001) found several health complications relating to the toxic fumes found in the "New Car Smell". Some of these effects include eye, nose and throat irritation, headache, and disorientation.

Dr. Brown found the following air toxics emitted from a new car interior:

• Benzene
• Acetone
• Cyclohexanone
• Ethylbenzene
• n-Hexane
• Styrene
• Toluene
• Xylene isomers

How long does the new car smell last?

The new car smell will eventual wear off usually within a year. If you own a brand new car, enjoy the new car ownership and remember to have adequate fresh air ventilation to prevent you from getting sick.