Is the beloved "new car" smell just harmful fumes?

Q. Is new-car smell toxic or safe?

A. Those new-car smells can be toxic, according to the Ecology Center, an environmental advocacy group based in Ann Arbor, Mich., that evaluates the "healthiness" of vehicles. However, the organization does not provide data that cite health problems caused by car interior fumes or quantify the health risks from chemical exposure.

Automakers use a variety of plastics, fabrics, foams, adhesives and paint in car interiors, some of which contain toxic chemicals. Organizations such as the Ecology Center have campaigned for vehicle (and car seat) manufacturers to reduce the amount of toxic materials they use and have reported some progress in recent years. The center's most recent evaluations cover vehicles from the 2009 model year.

The new-car smell comes from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, emitted by the materials used in the interior. VOCs also are emitted from materials used inside homes and offices, so if you are concerned, we suggest you take a holistic view that encompasses more than just the vehicle you drive. You can find more information about VOCs in the home than in vehicles, including from the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

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