Scientists have warned that the feeling of a dream come true when driving a brand new car can be deceptive and quickly turn into the reality of an endless nightmare and medical bills.
For some people, the sweet smell of new wheels is the epitome of luxury. A mix of unstable fumes from newly treated surfaces and upholstery, this scent can be as satisfying as money, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures in a new car comes at a high price. And the currency in calculation is health, writes Science Alert.
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A recent study by Chinese and American scientists found that parked new cars are full of carcinogens that exceed legal limits. After being outside for 12 days, the levels of various cancer-causing chemicals exceeded safe limits.
For example, formaldehyde found in disinfectants, germicides and gas stoves has exceeded Chinese safety standards by up to 35%. Acetaldehyde, a possible carcinogen, was present in concentrations that exceeded the safety limits by 61%. Meanwhile, benzene, a carcinogen commonly found in paint, gasoline and cigarettes, was also at unsafe levels for drivers spending long hours in their new cars.
In the experiment, the researchers found that the increased lifetime risk of developing cancer (IPRR) from several volatile organic compounds in a single new car was high enough to pose a “high health risk to drivers.” The IPRRR scale is based on the exposure level and potential of a carcinogen or cancer-causing agent. As a general rule, an IRRR between 10-8 and 10-6 is considered safe, meaning the risk of developing cancer is extremely low. A PRRR between 10-6 and 10-4 indicates a potential cancer risk, and a PRRR above 10-4 indicates a high potential health risk.
The study evaluated the exposure of taxi drivers and passengers, who spend approximately 11 hours and 1.5 hours a day in their vehicles, respectively, to volatile organic compounds that are primarily inhaled but can also be absorbed through the skin or ingested.
The medium size SUV used in the study was covered with plastic, artificial leather, fabric and felt. These materials produce various volatile organic compounds that are released into the air when they are fresh off the production line, a process called outgassing.
The researchers took samples from the air inside the car and determined the concentration of 20 chemicals at different times using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The interior temperature increased throughout the day, varying between 21°C and 63°C.
The concentration of volatile organic compounds also followed a cyclical pattern, determined not by air temperature but by the car’s surface temperature.
A previous study in California found that driving in a new car for as little as 20 minutes can unsafely expose a person to benzene and formaldehyde, while a longer car journey poses a higher health risk.
While these results are alarming, there are some easy ways to limit your exposure to chemicals found in new cars. You can choose a used car or alternative modes of transportation. If you need to drive a new car, choose walking instead of driving if possible, take a break from driving and breathe a little easier.
Previously Focus wrote about tired driving. Scientists say that driving after a sleepless night is just as dangerous as after drinking alcohol.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.