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In Australia, scientists are warning drivers and passengers to
be cautious of the danger of toxic emissions in their new cars. The pleasant
smell of a new car might be enchanting, but it is filled with hazardous
chemicals that can make the driver and passengers ill.
Australian researchers conducted a comprehensive study of three cars and found
that the toxic emissions from the soft fabrics and materials that decorate the
car's interior can affect the driver's health. To gather evidence, the
researchers asked drivers to keep logs of how they felt and observed the
drivers' reactions.
The evidence shows that the attractive smell of a new car that captivates the
new owner is full of harmful emissions that can cause illness. One lawyer
reported feeling ill with headaches, lung irritation, and a swollen throat after
driving his new car for just 10 minutes.
Furthermore, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
(CSIRO) revealed that the air inside a new car is often much more polluted than
the air outside. Steve Brown, the head of CSIRO's air quality control research
unit, stated that driving a new car can expose the driver to toxic emissions
that exceed health guideline goals.
The toxic emissions consist of various chemicals, including benzene, acetone,
ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers. The adverse effects of these chemicals are far
from harmless. Benzene is a known carcinogen, acetone is a mucosal irritant,
ethylbenzene is a systemic toxicant, and xylene isomers is a teratogen that can
harm fetal development.
As a precaution, drivers who buy new cars should make sure to have plenty of
outside air entering the vehicle while driving for at least 6 months. According
to Brown, this is a simple solution to avoid exposure to the toxic cocktail. In
addition, drivers should avoid using their car's air conditioning and drive with
their windows rolled down. |
