Sometimes buying a new car is accompanied not only by joyful emotions, but also by unpleasant sensations due to the smell in the cabin. For some people, the scent of plastic and upholstery causes headaches, asthma attacks, and other pulmonary problems. Therefore, if you feel any chemical odors, it does not seem to you and you urgently need to do something about it. Novate.ru will tell you why a toxic smell occurs and how to protect yourself from it.
What substances cause the smell
Experts from the University of California conducted a study on the dangers of machine aromas. They found that the odors emitted by the interior upholstery, seat materials, carpet, plastic panels of the "torpedo" and doors can be carcinogenic. That is, those that cause irreversible changes in the body, up to malignant tumors. They accumulate so much in the confined space of a car that the fumes are unpleasant. Especially for people who spend a lot of time in the car. But in order for the body to enter the maximum permissible daily rate of carcinogens, 20 minutes is enough. So what substances affect the smell?
First, it's formaldehyde. According to the Russian classification of the hazard of substances, it belongs to the second class of five, that is, it is quite harmful to humans. And the WHO even included formaldehyde in the list of the most dangerous substances that cause health problems. Vapors of toxic gas affect the skin and mucous membranes, causing itching, irritation, rash. There are also problems with sleep, headaches, weakness, allergies, eye inflammation. Secondly, it is benzene, which threatens the human reproductive system.
It is also important to take into account the temperature of the air and finishing materials, since the volatility of harmful substances depends on this. For example, if the interior of a car warms up to 30 degrees, the amount of vapor increases by 20%. In the case when the car is in the sun for a long time, and the interior heats up to 50 degrees, the emissions of formaldehyde and benzene increase by 70%. Much also depends on the finishing materials. The more expensive and quality they are, the less harmful fumes.
How to protect yourself from hazardous substances
1. If you smell a chemical smell, ventilate the passenger compartment as often as possible, especially in warm and hot weather.
2. Do not rush to get behind the wheel of a car that has been in the sun for a long time. First, open all the doors, turn on the air conditioning system and wait for the air to freshen up.
3. While driving, open all windows every 20-30 minutes to ventilate the cabin. In the cold season, chemicals evaporate less actively, so you can blow out the interior less often.
4. Install a charcoal filter to help reduce odors, including fumes. The carbon powder inside absorbs toxic gases and prevents them from entering the passenger compartment.
5. Filter the air in the cabin. To do this, turn on the climate control for recirculation, and the fans will begin to pump air inside the car.
We also recommend reading about whether the car will light up at the gas station if you refuel it with the engine running.