High time to clear the atmosphere

Carmakers in Europe and the United States may be forced to follow a decision by the Japanese automotive industry to tone down the seductive "smell" of new cars, following research linking it to a toxic cocktail of harmful chemicals.

Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi and Mazda are the first carmakers to reduce cabin concentrations to within Japanese Government guidelines for air quality in homes.

"The industry in Japan as a whole has recognised the need for this and is co-ordinating efforts," said Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco. "Cutting down on the things that lead to these smells is only something that can be better for you."

The new-car smell comes largely from chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that leach from glues, paints, vinyls and plastics in the car's interior.

The fumes can trigger headaches, sore throats, nausea and drowsiness. Prolonged exposure to some of the chemicals can lead to cancer, though there is no evidence linking that to concentrations in cars.

Critics liken the problem to so-called sick-building syndrome, which traces some illnesses to similar agents seeping from the walls, carpets and fixtures of new buildings.

Just sitting in a new car can subject occupants to toxic emissions several times the limits deemed safe by some health authorities for homes or offices.

However, the problem tends to dissipate after about six months, according to a 2001 study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Australia.

"We find new car interiors have much higher VOC levels than any building we have researched," research leader Steve Brown said.

"Ultimately, we need cars with interior materials that produce lower emissions."

Japanese carmakers this year agreed to cut cabin levels of 13 VOCs, including possible cancer-causing agents styrene and formaldehyde, by 2007 to match Japanese Health Ministry guidelines.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association initiated the drive after tests found some models made by three of the nation's top carmakers failed to meet government recommendations.

Carmakers worldwide have been trying to reduce VOCs for years. But the Japanese effort marks the first time the industry has adopted government guidelines.

Most of Japan's top five carmakers - Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi and Mazda - are already building cars with lower VOC levels, a move that is likely to catch on globally.

"There is good potential for the Japanese to take the lead in this field," said Koji Endo, an automotive analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston in Tokyo.

"People are starting to feel that VOCs are an issue, and the new efforts are one advantage that they [Japanese carmakers] can claim."

The Japan Health Ministry recommendations were adopted in 2002 to combat sick-building syndrome.

In the United States, the Washington-based Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents nine carmakers, including General Motors, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler, says it doesn't follow the issue of VOCs.

DaimlerChrysler said it had no initiatives on the VOC-induced new-car fumes, while Ford said it was actively trying to reduce them. GM said it was monitoring the issue globally.

Toyota, Japan's largest carmaker, has six models that meet the new standards, while Nissan has four. Honda's new Civic, due in New Zealand in the New Year, is that company's first, while Mitsubishi will begin its line-up next year.

All say they are on track to have all new models pass muster from 2007.

The changes affect cars built in Japan for the domestic market and export, but plans to lower VOCs in vehicles built overseas are largely up in the air.

Cutting levels will initially cost more because the changes are being introduced with new models one at a time and therefore lack economies of scale. There are also additional research costs for finding alternative materials.

Nissan, for example, has changed its seats, door trim, carpets and adhesives, while Honda has added an air-conditioning filter that absorbs some of the harmful substances.

Toyota revamped a boot lining, and Mazda is focusing on new adhesives.

Getting out the smell, however, is still a tall order. Simply filling up the petrol tank contributes to VOC levels.

- additional reporting agencies