That smell could be Carcinogenic, according to a new study
According to a recent study, the “new car” smell could potentially raise the chances of developing cancer.
Researchers from Harvard and the Beijing Institute of Technology placed sensors inside an SUV and measured the levels of 20 chemicals commonly found in materials over a 12-day period.
The study revealed that formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing substance, exceeded the acceptable limit of 100 micrograms per cubic metre by more than a third.
The chemical concentration reached a peak of 223.5 micrograms per cubic meter, which is more than twice the acceptable limit, as per the study findings. The research also showed that the levels of the chemicals escalated during warmer weather conditions, as the heat caused a higher amount of volatile compounds to be released.
Moreover, they used the chemical concentration data to estimate the incremental risk of developing cancer over a lifetime, considering inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption routes.
The study determined that spending 90 minutes per day in a car would result in exposure to formaldehyde compounds that surpass the recommended limit.
In their paper, published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, the scientists noted that their observations have expanded their comprehension of in-cabin chemical transport and emission mechanisms.
The study also assessed the cancer risk for drivers and passengers who encounter formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal uptake, and concluded that drivers face a substantial health risk.
The findings show “a promising method that vehicle designers can use to select appropriate materials to achieve effective source control and pre-assess in-cabin air quality.”
“Many of us like the smell of ‘new car’ smell (myself included),” commented Prof Oliver Jones, Professor of Chemistry at RMIT University in Melbourne.
“This study doesn’t look at the health effects of these chemicals, but we know from previous research that some of these chemicals aren’t really good for us.”
The “new car” smell is produced by a chemical process known as off-gassing. Although the term may not sound pleasant, it simply refers to the release of chemicals as a vapor into the air, in this case, from materials such as plastics and adhesives present in the car’s interior.
While many of the chemicals responsible for the “new car” scent are classified as carcinogenic, the same applies to alcohol and sunlight.
“The dose makes the poison” holds true since the mere presence of a substance does not necessarily indicate harm; it is primarily about the quantity, as even water can be toxic if consumed excessively.
The objective of the current study was to develop better models to determine the quantity of chemicals that produce the “new car” smell and their emission patterns over time, given varying car conditions.
However, previous research has highlighted the potential health risks associated with this scent, including dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath for some individuals. Therefore, it might be better for one’s health to avoid a new car smell.
While the fact that higher temperatures accelerate the rate of off-gassing from materials is not a novel concept, the authors of the study have adopted a unique approach. They used the surface temperature of the materials to forecasting the quantity of compounds that may be released over time, rather than the commonly used metric of air temperature in the cabin.
According to the expert, this approach is particularly relevant when considering the extreme temperatures that surface such as car seats and steering wheels can reach on a hot summer day.
“A more accurate model gives us a better idea of the likely levels of potentially harmful chemicals over time and this gives us a better idea of the risks – which can only be a good thing for drivers.”
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