Are you sure you want that new car smell to last? Characterization of VOCs from new car smell

For many, the added bonus of buying a new car is its smell, an odour mostly appreciated by many, especially the proud owner. However, the increase in chemical sensitivity and the awareness in chemical exposures have led to a closer look at what are behind this smell.

The odour, not surprisingly, comprises a great variety of volatile organic compounds (VOC), arising from adhesives, plastics, carpets, cleaners, polishes, lubricants, paints, leather and vinyl treatment. Currently, there is no government standard regulating air quality inside new vehicles.

Although the VOC concentrations are not very high in new vehicles, the cumulative effects of these compounds can pose health problems to those with chemical sensitivity and with long term exposure especially in summer months when the heat vaporizes more VOCs into the close car interior.
Below is the summary of unique VOC detected in a new car with leather interior, one week from delivery: