Is the Odor in a New Car Formaldehyde?
2 Answers
The odor in a new car comes from various sources, and formaldehyde is one of them. Below is a detailed introduction to methods for removing formaldehyde from a new car: 1. Ventilation: Formaldehyde is directly related to temperature, with higher concentrations at higher temperatures. Therefore, ventilation is crucial. Opening windows to ventilate can accelerate air circulation inside the car, helping to eliminate odors and formaldehyde from the air. 2. Bamboo Charcoal Bags: The bamboo charcoal in these bags has a porous structure with strong adsorption capabilities. It can absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, and sulfur dioxide inside the car while releasing natural minerals. 3. Car Air Purifiers: Car air purifiers can filter the air inside the vehicle, effectively purifying pollutants such as PM2.5, toxic and harmful gases, odors, bacteria, and viruses. However, windows need to be closed during use. 4. Photocatalysts: Photocatalysts react after absorbing ultraviolet light from sunlight or artificial lighting. The substances produced during this reaction can break down organic matter and the nutrients they rely on, decomposing harmful substances in the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, into harmless water and carbon dioxide, thereby purifying the air.
I just bought a new car, and the pungent smell inside is quite noticeable. Many people's first reaction is to suspect formaldehyde, a common chemical that indeed comes from plastics, adhesives, and leather products in the car, and can harm health by causing headaches or respiratory discomfort when released. However, it's not all about formaldehyde being the sole source of the odor; volatile substances like benzene and toluene from adhesives also contribute significantly. To mitigate the risk, I open the windows for 20 minutes every day while driving to ventilate and have placed activated charcoal packs under the seats, which work well to absorb odors. In the first month, I tried parking the car in the sun to accelerate the release of odors, combined with frequent cleaning of the interior to reduce accumulation. Remember not to worry excessively; with proper handling, the new car smell is a temporary phase and won't have a lasting impact.
