Is the Smell of a New Car Formaldehyde?
2 Answers
The smell of a new car is not just formaldehyde. About 90% of new cars have a certain odor, and most of them exceed the standard levels of gases like formaldehyde. Methods to remove formaldehyde: 1. Open windows frequently for ventilation. Formaldehyde is related to temperature—higher temperatures lead to higher concentrations, so parking the car in direct sunlight can help; 2. Use bamboo charcoal bags. Bamboo charcoal has a porous structure with strong adsorption capacity, which can absorb harmful gases like formaldehyde, benzene, and sulfur dioxide inside the car; 3. In-car air purifiers can filter the air inside the vehicle, effectively removing pollutants like PM2.5, toxic gases, odors, bacteria, and viruses, but windows must be closed during use; 4. Photocatalysts, similar to regular air fresheners, are liquid-based with titanium dioxide as the main component. When exposed to ultraviolet light from sunlight or artificial sources, they react to produce substances that can break down organic compounds and their nutrients.
The smell of a new car isn't entirely from formaldehyde, but it is part of it. Plastics, carpets, adhesives, and leather in the car release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when new, including chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. When I first bought my new car, the smell was quite strong, and I later learned from research that these mainly affect the air quality inside the car. Ventilation is key, especially in high summer temperatures when more chemicals are released. I recommend keeping the windows open for a few weeks or using activated charcoal bags to absorb odors. Choosing car models with eco-friendly materials can help reduce the issue. Long-term exposure might be harmful to the respiratory system, but with normal use, the smell will naturally fade. Don't worry too much—regular maintenance can speed up the process.
