Ahhh the Great Toxic Smell of a New Car

That new car smell punches our buttons! It summons up memories and reminds us of our freedom and power... we love that smell of a new car! But watch out: it's the smell of VOCs - Volatile Organic Compounds, the airborne chemicals that are heavily regulated by the EPA since they help to generate ozone and photochemical smog. Want to know more? Check out this article about the adhesives, plastics and toxic paint solvents that make the new car smell we know and love.

None of these chemicals are likely to kill in concentrations present when the car gets to you, but they aren't the best compounds to breathe. If you aren't eager to lose more brain cells or stress your organs more than they are, consider driving with a window open a bit, at least for the first few weeks. Some suggest that you keep that window open for the first 6 months.