Is the Smell in a New Car Formaldehyde?
2 Answers
The smell inside a new car is not formaldehyde. Here are the relevant details: 1. Air pollution inside the car: The smell in a new car generally comes from air pollution inside the vehicle, which mainly originates from various decorative materials throughout the car, such as leather seats, plastic components, etc. The adhesives commonly used in these materials contain formaldehyde, benzene is used for coloring, and plastic parts may contain formaldehyde and TVOC-based agents. 2. Seasonal variations: In summer, the intense sunlight can cause prolonged exposure to the sun to lead to issues like aging of plastic components. In winter, the sunlight is more moderate, and parking the car in the sun does not cause the same discomfort as in summer, making it more suitable for formaldehyde removal.
When I talk about the smell of a new car, many people wonder if it's purely formaldehyde, but in fact, it's not just the smell of formaldehyde. The air inside a new car is filled with various volatile organic compounds, collectively known as VOCs, which come from adhesives, plastic seats, and interior materials, slowly releasing over time. Formaldehyde is indeed one of the common components, with its irritating odor that can easily cause eye or throat discomfort. However, the overall smell also includes more chemicals like benzene and toluene, which combine to create that distinctive new car scent. I was a bit surprised when I first learned about this, as many mistakenly believe it's all formaldehyde. In reality, when a car is brand new, the materials are fresh, and the concentration of VOCs is at its highest. Prolonged exposure may affect respiratory health, so it's recommended that car owners ventilate more or use air purifiers to absorb the gases, especially during the first few weeks after purchasing the car—keeping the windows open while driving is safer.