According to a recent study conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia's leading government research group, "new car smell," so cherished by car owners around the world, may in fact be deadly. According to the study, vinyl and plastic materials in new cars may emit toxic gases.

The study's authors report that long-term exposure to such "new car gases" may cause cancer and birth defects. In the short-term, the toxic chemicals can cause headaches, nausea, and drowsiness, potentially contributing to recent car accidents. In addition, Benzene, a known carcinogen, was detected in several cars analyzed.