Substances to absorb/adsorb HCHO vapours in car

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the presence of formaldehyde vapours, commonly associated with the "new car smell," and the potential health risks they pose. Participants explore methods to absorb or adsorb these vapours within a car environment, considering practical solutions that do not require specialized chemical products.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that formaldehyde is linked to health issues, particularly pulmonary diseases, and expresses concern about the accumulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cars.
  • Another participant suggests that driving with windows down may not be a viable solution due to the influx of city pollutants, especially for those with allergies.
  • Activated charcoal is proposed by multiple participants as a potential substance for absorbing or adsorbing formaldehyde vapours, with questions raised about its effectiveness in adsorbing gases.
  • Concerns are raised about the generalization of health risks associated with VOCs, with one participant cautioning against extrapolating broad statements to specific situations, suggesting that the actual risk may be minimal in typical driving scenarios.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of activated charcoal in fully addressing the issue of VOCs, with some participants suggesting it may absorb some VOCs to a limited extent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the health implications of formaldehyde and the effectiveness of activated charcoal, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific evidence regarding the effectiveness of activated charcoal in this context and the varying interpretations of health risks associated with VOCs in cars.

Wrichik Basu
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I read somewhere that the "new car smell", which many of us like, is composed of formaldehyde, something that is not good for health. I also learned that it has tendencies to cause pulmonary diseases.

A good option to get rid of the smell is to drive with windows down. But doing that in the city traffic will bring in a large amount of pollutants, something that you don't want at all.

Since I have a car, I was thinking of ways to get rid of these vapours. Of course, I cannot stop the dust, but is there anything that can absorb or adsorb the formaldehyde vapours? Something that I can get nearby, and not go to a store selling chemicals?
 
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Activated charcoal comes to mind.
 
TeethWhitener said:
Activated charcoal comes to mind.
Does activated charcoal adsorb gases as well?
 
Bystander said:
https://gizmodo.com/5896801/what-exactly-is-that-new-car-smell
From the article:
VOCs probably ring a bell because they're air pollutants. And they can do a number on your health.
So, the smell does affect health. The point to be noted is, we never put down the window panes in city traffic, because all the members in my family are allergic to dust. So, the VOCs build up and their concentration increases, which is likely to cause more health trouble.
 
Wrichik Basu said:
So, the smell does affect health.

Be warned. You should not take blanket statements like "X can affect your health" and try to extrapolate them to real-world situations. Especially if that statement comes from a news or news-like article. With the concentrations found in cars, especially cars that aren't new anymore, and the limited amount of time the average person spends driving, the risk is likely minuscule.

As for how to get rid of the VOC's, I doubt there's an easy and effective method that is less harmful to you, your passengers, and your car. But hey, I could certainly be wrong.
 
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Wrichik Basu said:
Does activated charcoal adsorb gases as well?
It'll probably absorb at least some VOC's to a certain extent.
 

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