Are Smelly Car Seat Covers Harmful?

[OGraham]

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.

[VanValeria]

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.

[ManuelFitz]

The odor varies significantly across different material types of seat cushions. For instance, the pungent smell from leather ones primarily stems from heavy metals in tanning agents, while the sour odor of fabric cushions usually results from volatile inferior dyes. Extra caution is needed with unbranded scented cushions, as most use fragrances to mask formaldehyde. After comparing over a dozen types, I found that eco-certified pure cotton materials are the most reliable, virtually odor-free. Nowadays, I always check material labels when purchasing cushions and only trust those marked 'formaldehyde-free.' It's advisable to avoid cheap products under 100 yuan—some online stores' so-called 'new car odor-eliminating cushions' are pure gimmicks.

[VanAshley]

Last winter, I bought a cheap plush car seat cushion, but the strong glue smell made me nauseous as soon as I opened the package. I forced myself to use it for two days, but my throat became itchy and I developed red rashes. When I tried to return it, the seller said it just needed to be aired out in the sun. However, after hanging it on the balcony for half a month, the smell still didn’t go away. In the end, I had to spend double the price to replace it with a branded cushion. Now when shopping for seat cushions online, I always check the follow-up reviews first—if someone mentions a strong odor, I skip it immediately. The car interior is small, and smelly seat cushions can really affect your health.

[AngelinaAnn]

The newly purchased car seat covers may have odors. It is recommended to remove them and air them in a well-ventilated area for a week before use. You can also use activated charcoal bags to absorb odors, which is safer than car air fresheners. When purchasing, check the standard number: car seat covers that meet the national standard GB/T 27630 have formaldehyde emissions within acceptable limits. It's best to choose washable all-cotton materials, avoiding leather or composite fibers. On hot days, opening the windows for five minutes before use can reduce the concentration of harmful substances. If symptoms like dizziness or coughing occur after use, replace the seat covers immediately.