Are Smelly Car Seat Covers Harmful?
2 Answers
Smelly car seat covers do pose certain hazards. Below is a detailed introduction about them: 1. Introduction 1: Genuine leather from the factory must undergo volatile organic compound (VOC) content testing (formaldehyde, styrene, propylene glycol, eicosane, phenol, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, etc.). 2. Introduction 2: Aftermarket seat cover materials often fail to meet national standards, easily leading to the release of toxic substances. 3. Introduction 3: All materials inside the car must be flame-retardant, and seats are the largest surface area in contact with occupants. If the flame-retardant performance does not meet standards, it can cause rapid combustion during vehicle self-ignition, resulting in casualties.
Last month I replaced my car seat cushions, but the pungent plastic smell gave me a headache after just half an hour of driving. After researching, I learned this odor mainly comes from chemical adhesives and dyes in the cushions, containing harmful substances like formaldehyde and benzene. Long-term exposure can cause eye irritation, sore throat, and in severe cases may trigger asthma or weakened immunity. Especially during summer heat, the concentration of harmful substances in the car multiplies, posing particular risks for families with elderly or children. Now I only choose odorless, eco-friendly cushion materials - though it cost me 200 yuan more, my breathing is much smoother while driving. I recommend everyone check the smell closely before buying seat cushions, not just focusing on the design.
