Australian scientists warn of new car illness
Date: 20-Dec-01
Country: AUSTRALIA
A study by Australia's main scientific body, the Commonwealth Scientific
and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), found high levels of toxic
emissions in cars for up to six months and longer after they leave the
showroom.
"Just as air inside our homes and workplaces is often much more polluted
than the air outside, so sitting in a new car can expose you to levels
of toxic emissions many times beyond (health guideline) goals," said
Steve Brown, head of the CSIRO's air quality control research unit.
The toxic emissions include Benzene, a cancer-causing toxin; Acetone, a
mucosal irritant; Ethylbenzene, a systemic toxic agent; and Xylene
isomers, a foetal development toxic agent.
"To avoid some exposure to this toxic cocktail people who buy new cars
should make sure there is plenty of outside air entering the vehicle
while they drive for at least six months," Brown said in a statement.
The two-year study of three new cars found anecdotal evidence that
drivers were becoming ill when they drove their new cars.
A lawyer reported being ill with headaches, lung irritation and
swellings for several days after collecting a new car and driving it for
only 10 minutes. When he swapped his new car for an 18-month-old car he
no longer felt ill.
A public servant felt ill when driving a new government car for the
first six months, a chemically sensitised person felt "spaced out" when
driving any new car and a salesman who regularly updated his car became
lethargic on long trips.
The study found two new Australian-made cars had very high levels of
volatile organic compounds, up to 64,000 micrograms per cubic metre,
three to 10 weeks after manufacture.
A control group of people exposed to half this amount reported within
minutes feeling discomfort, drowsiness, fatigue and confusion, eye and
ear and nose irritation and headaches.
The toxic air emission levels decrease 60 percent in the first month but
were still well above the Australian recommended health level of 500
micrograms per cubic metre, said the CSIRO.
A third car in the study was imported to Australia, but four months
after manufacture it contained high levels of toxic air emissions,
recording 2,000 micrograms per cubic metre.
"This is still four times more than the recommended goal and remains a
concern," said Brown.
