Will there still be formaldehyde if the car windows are always open in a new car?
2 Answers
Even with the windows always open in a new car, there will still be formaldehyde, but the concentration is much lower than with closed windows. Therefore, it is advisable to ventilate by opening the windows frequently. Sources of odors in new cars: Inside the relatively enclosed and compact space of a car cabin, there are many potential sources of pungent odors, such as leather and foam padding in the seats, the dashboard, and various adhesives used extensively during the manufacturing process. Health hazards from gases: The most common harmful gases emitted from these sources are organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene, which can negatively impact health. However, national regulations have long established limits for the concentrations of eight common volatile organic compounds in vehicle cabin air, including benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein.
I've been working in automotive design for many years, and new cars do indeed contain formaldehyde, mainly from the adhesives, plastics, and seat materials inside the vehicle, which continuously release chemicals. Even if you keep the windows open, the flowing air can dilute the formaldehyde concentration inside the car, helping it dissipate faster and reducing health risks. However, the source materials continue to release volatile compounds, much like a slowly evaporating gas. When I first bought my car, I tested it, and the detector showed that formaldehyde levels dropped after opening the windows. But during the first month, I could still detect a slight odor. Complete removal takes time—typically, ventilating for a few weeks, combined with activated charcoal bags or the air purifier mode in the AC, is more effective. The smell of a new car isn't just formaldehyde; it also includes other VOCs. Prolonged exposure in an enclosed space can cause dizziness or allergies, so I advise all car owners to ventilate frequently to speed up the emission process and not rush to close the windows to enjoy the fresh interior.
