Is the Smell of Tires Harmful to Human Health?
2 Answers
The smell of tires is not harmful to human health. During the production process of tires, certain gases are indeed generated that can be harmful to humans. However, advancements in production technology and protective measures for tire workers have effectively prevented these gases from harming workers' health. Once tires are finished products, they generally do not contain harmful gases. The pungent odor present in warehouses where tires are stored does not pose a health risk, although the smell can be quite unpleasant. Moreover, an increasing number of green factories and eco-friendly tires have achieved completely harmless production processes and technologies. Therefore, while the strong odor from tires is not harmful to human health, it is indeed unpleasant. If possible, try to avoid storing tires in living or office spaces.
As an ordinary driver, I'm quite concerned about the smell of tires. Newly purchased tires always have a chemical odor because rubber materials are added with various chemical additives during production, releasing volatile compounds. When I change tires in an unventilated garage, I might experience itchy nose or mild headaches, but while driving, the smell gets diluted by the air and usually isn't a big issue. Experts say these odors may contain trace amounts of benzene or formaldehyde, and long-term exposure could pose carcinogenic risks, especially for auto repair workers who spend all day in that environment. However, brief daily contact isn't a major concern, as long as you don't sniff them closely for extended periods. I recommend that car owners let new tires air out in a ventilated area for a few days before use, and avoid letting children touch them and then play or eat immediately, as dust and chemical residues may cause allergies. Worn-out old tires mostly emit a dusty smell, which is less harmful, but they release more substances at high temperatures. In short, maintaining good ventilation habits is crucial.
