Ever Wondered Where That New Car Smell Comes From?

The unmistakable smell of a new car -- a mix of freshautomakers are taking this initiative, and I hope the idea
plastic, paint, and upholstery – may be linked to aspreads. After all, some of the VOCs -- such as
toxic cocktail of harmful chemicals, promptingstyrene and formaldehyde -- can potentially give you
Japanese automakers to attempt to tone down thecancer.Toxins are all around us and if you want to
smell. Their push to reduce cabin concentrations of theincrease your awareness of the potential dangers that
fumes could spur similar action by U.S. and Europeanyou might not have known about I would encourage
rivals.VOCsThe new-car smell comes largely fromyou to reviewthe 10 most common toxins that
chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, orsurround you and how to protect your family from
VOCs. These leach from glues, paints, vinyls andthem. Some useful methods include:Buy and eat, as
plastics in the passenger compartment. They havemuch as possible, organic produce and free-range,
been known to cause headaches, sore throats,organic foods. Rather than eating fish, which is largely
nausea, and drowsiness, and prolonged exposure tocontaminated with PCBs and mercury, consume a
high concentrations can lead to cancer.Sitting in a newhigh-quality purified fish or cod liver oil.Avoid processed
car can subject riders to toxic emissions several timesfoods -- remember that they're processed with
above the safety limits. The problem tends to dissipatechemicals!Only use natural cleaning products in your
after about six months. Matching Guidelines forhome. Most health food stores will have these
HomesEarlier this year, Japanese automakers agreedavailable or you can search on line for them.Switch
to cut cabin levels of 13 of the compounds, includingover to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo,
possible cancer-causing agents such as styrene andtoothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics.Remove any
formaldehyde, to match guidelines for air quality inmetal fillings as they're a major source of mercury. Be
homes. This marks the first time automakers havesure to have this done by a qualified biological
adopted government guidelines on the matter.U.S. Hasdentist.Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets,
No Regulations for Most VOCsThe U.S. Environmentalfabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances as they
Protection Agency sets no guidelines for volatilecan pollute the air you are breathing.Avoid artificial food
organic compounds in non-industrial settings.additives of all kind, including artificial sweeteners and
Formaldehyde, however, one of the potentiallyMSG.Have your tap water tested and, if contaminants
cancer-causing substances present in new cars, isare found, install an appropriate water filter on all your
regulated by the Occupational Safety and Healthfaucets (even those in your shower or bath).This
Administration. USA Today September 26, 2005 Dr.article is reprinted from Mercola.com, the world's #1
Mercola's Comment:I've discussedVOCs beforeinthismost visited and trusted natural/alternative health
newsletter-- they can be emitted from many itemswebsite. For a limited time only, you can take the
found aboutyour home and inyour environment,FREE "Metabolic Type Test" to help you learn the right
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fresheners Fitted carpet It's great that Japaneseto take this quick test!