Hit & Run From New Car Smell (?)

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Many drivers enjoy the so-called "new car smell," a mix of volatile organic compounds that rise from the plastic, leather, cloth, wood and other interior components of cars fresh off the assembly line. The aroma is so popular that some companies even sell "new car smell" air fresheners.

But does "new car smell" have a dark side? More specifically, is it intoxicating?

That appears likely to be an element of the defense of a Colorado driver charged in a nighttime hit-and-run accident, according to court documents filed this week, The Vail Daily News reports. The driver, Martin Joel Erzinger, a financial manager, allegedly fled the scene of a crash with a cyclist in July.

The "new car smell" from a month-old Mercedes-Benz may have contributed to Mr. Erzinger's losing consciousness before the accident, his lawyers say.

The seemingly novel defense has been raised by an "accident reconstructionist" hired by Mr. Erzinger's attorneys. They contend that Mr. Erzinger suffered from sleep apnea and dozed off at the wheel before driving off the road and striking the cyclist.

"Harmful and noxious gases emitted from the upholstery can infiltrate the driver's compartment and potentially alter the driver," the investigator wrote.

At least one study has found that fumes from new car interiors can pose a health hazard, particularly on a hot day when the windows are closed. Volatile organic compounds like those found in new car fumes have been linked to a variety of health problems in humans, from throat irritation to cancer.

Mr. Erzinger's case previously drew attention after a prosecutor suggested in September that he was dropping a felony charge in the case out of consideration for his employment status. Mr. Erzinger represents wealthy clients for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and has $1 billion in assets under management, according to his Web site.

When the local police arrested him, the police records say, he was placing a broken side mirror and a damaged bumper in his trunk.

After protests from the victim's lawyers, the felony charge was refiled in October.

The victim, Dr. Steven Milo, 33, a liver transplant anesthesiologist at a New York hospital, suffered serious injuries in the accident and will suffer lifelong pain, his attorney contends.

Mercedes-Benz did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the upholstery smell.

Source: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/1...

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[jxsilicon9]

What about if you're driving a new Hyundai?

[Usman Shabbar]

wealthy? even more reason to take him to court! he can probably pay off what ever fine comes his way! btw, love it when cenk says 'sum-a-ma-bitch'

[voyager71390]

is there an old turks? cause these guys suck

[sansimcj]

I never get to experience a new car smell.

[Richmond Harrell]

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other toxic chemicals constitute the new car smell. VOC fumes emanate from glues, paints, vinyls, and plastics inside new cars. They can trigger headaches, sore throats, nausea, and drowsiness. Studies have found 50-60 different VOCs in new cars.

[MrBw1982]

The closest thing to the new car smell I ever bought was @ Dollar general...I don't know if maybe they've changed labels or what, can't find it..last timeive seen it was around 2006 I can't think of the company but the can was white with a blue cap on it. The can had a picture of a checkered flag and show some seats

[Ethan Mick]

Nissans have to be the worst cars ever.

[Thedarksecret1]

That's because cenk is rich.

[mikleharry]

Put some tea to get rid off the bad smell

[MrPmj1979]

Sleep Apnea =/= Narcolepsy

Young Turks FTW

[soundslave]

"bicyclist"? I think you mean cyclist.