Does a Brand New Car Contain Formaldehyde?
3 Answers
Newly purchased cars contain formaldehyde. It is recommended to ventilate frequently and use activated charcoal to absorb formaldehyde. During the first six months of driving a new car, avoid keeping the windows tightly closed while driving. Minimize the use of air conditioning and enhance ventilation inside the car to facilitate the rapid release of harmful substances. Methods to remove formaldehyde from a new car: Frequently open windows and ventilate: Formaldehyde concentration is directly related to temperature; higher temperatures lead to higher concentrations, making ventilation crucial. While driving, keep the windows open as much as possible to accelerate air circulation inside the car, which helps eliminate odors and formaldehyde. However, this method is time-consuming and inconvenient in bad weather. Bamboo charcoal bags: Bamboo charcoal in these bags has a porous structure with strong adsorption capabilities, effectively absorbing harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, and sulfur dioxide inside the car while releasing natural minerals. Additionally, bamboo charcoal bags are highly absorbent, helping to dehumidify, deodorize, and prevent mold in the car. Car air purifiers: Car air purifiers filter the air inside the vehicle, effectively removing pollutants such as PM2.5, toxic gases, odors, bacteria, and viruses. However, windows must be closed during use. Photocatalysts: Photocatalysts, like common air fresheners, are liquid-based and primarily composed of titanium dioxide. When exposed to ultraviolet light from sunlight or artificial sources, they react to break down organic compounds and nutrients that sustain harmful substances. This process decomposes pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene into harmless water and carbon dioxide, thereby purifying the air and providing anti-mold, deodorizing, antibacterial, and antimicrobial effects.
I just bought a new car, and there was indeed that new car smell inside, which is actually formaldehyde. Before purchasing the car, I did some research and learned that formaldehyde mainly comes from the seat cushions, carpets, and the plastic on the dashboard, released by the adhesives and materials used during production. In the first few days of driving, I often felt a bit dizzy, and after checking online, I realized it was due to the formaldehyde. Fortunately, the solution wasn't complicated: I opened the windows for ventilation for about ten minutes every day, especially when parking; I also bought some activated charcoal bags and placed them under the seats to absorb those harmful gases. After persisting for about a month, the smell became much lighter, and I felt much more comfortable. Now, I remind my friends that when they get a new car, they shouldn't rush to close the windows and enjoy it—first, let the air circulate for a while.
I've been concerned about health for many years, and it's true that new cars contain formaldehyde. It volatilizes from interior materials like leather and fabrics, with higher concentrations in the short term, potentially causing skin allergies or headaches, and posing greater risks with long-term exposure. When I first bought my car, I specifically tested the air quality, and the results showed excessive formaldehyde levels. To protect myself and my family, I took simple measures: frequently opening windows for ventilation to avoid prolonged enclosed use; purchasing a car air purifier that efficiently filters out those harmful particles. Additionally, after parking, don't lock the doors completely—leave a small gap for ventilation, and the odor will noticeably decrease after a few weeks. Remember, health comes first—don't ignore the peculiar smell in new cars; timely action can reduce the harm.
