Almost everyone loves the “new car smell” when a brand new vehicle is purchased. However, it may not be so appealing once it is known that the smell may come from toxic chemicals used in the construction of the automobile. The Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan recently completed a study in which the composition of more than 200 late model SUVs, cars and trucks were analyzed for chemicals that emit gasses from parts used within the interior of the vehicle. The Ecology Center was most concerned with chlorine from plasticizers such as PVC, bromine coming from fire-retardant components and contamination from heavy metals such as lead.
