Does a Newly Purchased Car Contain Formaldehyde?
3 Answers
New cars do contain formaldehyde. Here is some extended information: Definition: Formaldehyde is a widely used material, found in various paints, plastics, and other products. Increased Concentration: Many interior materials in cars utilize these substances. While these materials meet release standards during factory testing, when they are assembled inside a car—an inherently enclosed space—the formaldehyde released from various materials can cause the concentration to rise continuously. Therefore, new cars contain formaldehyde. Activated Carbon Purification: For formaldehyde inside the car, it is generally recommended to use activated carbon for purification. Some air conditioning filters now come with activated carbon materials, which have a good adsorption effect on formaldehyde. However, it is important to note that while activated carbon has strong adsorption capabilities, it cannot directly eliminate formaldehyde. If the temperature is too high or the activated carbon becomes saturated, it may release the formaldehyde again. Therefore, every 1 to 3 months, the activated carbon should be taken out, exposed to sunlight, and then reused.
New cars definitely contain formaldehyde. As a parent who frequently drives my kids to school, I'm particularly concerned about in-car health issues. That distinctive new car smell is mostly formaldehyde, released from materials like plastics, laminated boards, and adhesives. During the first few weeks when concentrations are high, it may cause coughing or dizziness, especially for sensitive children. I remember during the first month after getting my new car, I always let it ventilate in sunlight for several hours before driving, and placed several bags of activated charcoal on the back seat. After a few weeks, the smell became much fainter. My suggestion is to keep windows open more often during the first six months, and leave a small gap for ventilation when parked. Health is more important than anything - don't wait until something happens to regret it.
From the perspective of automotive manufacturing processes, new cars inevitably release formaldehyde. Many of my friends in car factories have told me this is normal, as adhesives and interior plastics emit volatile organic compounds. The peak formaldehyde emission period occurs within the first three months after a new car leaves the factory. While it meets safety standards, sensitive individuals should take precautions. For daily use, I recommend ventilation or using air purification devices to accelerate the dissipation. Over time, the levels will naturally decrease, so there's no need to rush into spending money on treatments. The best approach is to purchase a detector and test the levels yourself—accurate data will give you peace of mind.
