I’ve always loved the smell of a brand new car. I personally associate the smell with success and happiness, in my opinion buying a new car is a big milestone and accomplishment. Unfortunately, there are several hundred different chemicals used in the production of a vehicle’s parts creating the “new car smell.”
A new study from the Ecology Centre in Ann Arbor, Michigan, found more than 275 chemicals in 200 new cars. A majority of the chemicals are found in upholstered areas of a vehicle, including the steering wheel, armrest, seats and dashboards. The chemicals create toxic gases and fumes within vehicles that consumers inhale and associate with the “new car smell.”
Image from eShine.ca
The main chemicals found in new cars are Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs), and metals such as chromium, and lead. BFRs are a mixture of chemicals found in the plastic and fabric components of a vehicle’s interior. BFRs are known to cause breast cancer, and thyroid hormone problems that are linked to brain and body development. The combination of the chemicals and toxins has devastating consequences; they include birth defects, impaired learning, and liver issues.
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A key question that arises to my mind is do all cars have the same amount of chemicals and toxic levels in their interiors? Interestingly, out of the 200 examined cars, the 2012 Honda Civic has the healthiest interior and contained the least dangerous chemicals. It was found to have no BFRs and minimum metals. The worst vehicle was the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2011 Chrysler 200 SC. These two vehicles have high levels of BFRs in their seats and other chemicals in the upholstery.
Overall, I believe it is important to consider the levels of dangerous chemicals when purchasing a new vehicle because as a consumer you will be spending large periods of time in your new vehicle and need to be aware of the potential dangers in the vapors you breathe. Remember to buy a car based on its quality and minimum use of chemicals, not based on its smell.
