That familiar “new car smell,” often romanticized as a scent of success, is in truth the odour of volatile organic compounds — gases released from plastics, adhesives, foams, and synthetic leathers used in vehicle interiors. These compounds include benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, known to irritate the eyes, lungs, and nervous system over long-term exposure. They are not just chemical names; they are invisible agents of slow harm.
https://countercurrents.org/2025/10/invisible-poison-on-indian-roads/
Globally, some countries have already confronted this silent threat. Japan introduced guidelines limiting formaldehyde and toluene levels in vehicles after health complaints emerged in the early 2000s. South Korea’s “New Car Smell” law of 2011 made in-cabin air quality testing mandatory. The European Union now enforces interior air testing for VOCs, with automakers like Volvo and Mercedes publishing emission data. Even California monitors toxic interior emissions under the Air Resources Board’s regulations.
In India, however, the conversation remains absent.
by Ashish Singh
18/10/2025