Are you one of the many who loves that new car smell? And might even be guilty of buying aerosol sprays or air fresheners that imitates that distinctive scent? Stop right there. That new car smell is actually messing with your hormones.
That new car smell that your olfactory nerves are sensing is caused by various components that make the car emit VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. The combination of these toxic materials used to build the car, add to that the fact that they are confined inside the car and being heated due lack of air circulation, that right there is where the new car smell is coming from.
That toxic smell that your nose is picking up? It is full of Xenoestrogens that mess with your hormones.
The toxic materials that emit this odour are polyurethane, polyester, paint, adhesives, sealants, oils, brominated flame retardants, other manner of plastics, and about a hundred more of dangerous chemicals, all confined within the passenger compartment and naturopaths use functional tests to assess how much a patient has.
It is comforting to say that companies are doing something about this. Over a decade ago, polyvinyl chloride was removed from most of the car market. Around 2015 and 2016, car buyers in China became concerned about the strong odour. As a response, Ford hired a team to inspect each finished vehicle and make sure that they are not emitting the strong smell. Vehicles that didn’t pass were rejected, and affected parts were replaced before they were even brought to the showroom.
Indoor air pollution, which includes inhalation of toxic chemicals while locked inside a vehicle, may be as dangerous as outdoor air pollution, or even more so. Chinese car owners frequently scrub their car interiors with water and vinegar in order to remove the dangerous chemical odour, instead of using cleaners that are made of chemicals.
Hopefully, in time, car manufacturers will start competing to build cars with the fewest toxic chemicals, especially on the interiors. They may do so if buyers are more aware of the dangers of VOCs and demand that the car that they choose will have the least amounts of it. As of now, Honda has been noted to use PVC-free materials on 12 out of 15 models sold in North America. Volvo and Mazda followed suit. However, across the whole car industry, only 17% were PVC-free.
Help us raise awareness about VOCs being dangerous to our health. Share this story with your family and friends. Let us also adopt a safer cleaning habit by going for natural and non-toxic cleaners, instead of toxic cleaning solutions.
Take control of your health and make an appointment now with an expert practitioner.
Koji is a less known superfood found in a variety of macrobiotic foods. Containing Aspergillus oryzae, koji is used to make foods such as miso, amazaki and tamari. Read More…
Why Is A Japanese Diet Good For your Heart?
Studies spanning decades investigate several Japanese staple foods as being potentially responsible for lower cases of CVD in Japan when compared with CVD in other countries such as Australia Read More…
The Macrobiotic Diet: A Holistic Wellness Solution
The Japanese macrobiotic diet has a fascinating history that dates back several centuries. Its roots can be traced to the teachings of George Ohsawa, a Japanese philosopher, who believed that food plays a critical role in achieving physical and spiritual balance. Read More…
Eczema Relief With Natural Medicine
Did you know that eczema is not just a surface issue? In fact, it goes beyond the skin and can indicate a deeper imbalance within your body. Eczema can be a clear sign of an overactive immune system and even point towards poor gut health. Read More…
Dominate Exercise Recovery and Sports Performance
Embarking on a fresh exercise or workout routine marks a pivotal stride towards enhancing your overall well-being. While the advantages of physical activity are beyond measure, integrating a new regimen may inadvertently introduce some undesired repercussions. Read More…
of others and get the latest update on naturopath, functional medicine, wellness updates and special offers.
Koji is a less known superfood found in a variety of macrobiotic foods. Containing Aspergillus oryzae, koji is used to make foods such as miso, amazaki and tamari.
Studies spanning decades investigate several Japanese staple foods as being potentially responsible for lower cases of CVD in Japan when compared with CVD in other countries such as Australia
The Japanese macrobiotic diet has a fascinating history that dates back several centuries. Its roots can be traced to the teachings of George Ohsawa, a Japanese philosopher, who believed that food plays a critical role in achieving physical and spiritual balance.