Although there is no smell as assuring as the smell of a brand new car, but Australian scientists have warned that it actually contains high levels of toxic air emissions that can make drivers ill.

They said last month they've found high levels of toxic emissions in cars for up to six months and longer after they leave the showroom.

According to them, 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.

The toxic emissions include benzene, a cancer-causing toxin; acetone, a mucosal irritant; ethylbenzene, a systemic toxic agent; and xylene isomers, a toxic agent linked to foetal abnormalities.

They said after their two-year study that 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.

Headaches, lung irritation and swelling for several days are the main side effects of breathing inside a new car.

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Khorsheed.com - Jan 2002