Latest news with #VOCs
Medscape
01-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Earwax Secretions May Help Detect Parkinson's Disease
Odors from earwax may help distinguish individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) from those without the condition, a new study suggests. Researchers found that four volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ear canal secretions significantly differed between participants with and without PD. The compounds — ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane — may represent potential biomarkers. An artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO)-based screening model used in the study identified those with PD with 94% accuracy. 'The accuracy of the model really surprised us,' study investigator Hao Dong, Research Center for Frontier Fundamental Studies, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China, MD, told Medscape Medical News . However, the study was a 'small-scale, single-center experiment,' he noted in a press release. 'The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers, and among multiple ethnic groups in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value,' Dong said. The findings were published online recently in Analytical Chemistry . Unique Odor Profile 'Our team has long been engaged in the detection of [VOCs] secreted by the human body. By chance, we came across reports on the detection of sebum VOCs for Parkinson's,' Dong said. Sebum, the oily substance secreted by the skin, may carry a distinct scent in individuals with PD. In a 2019 study cited by Dong, researchers noninvasively collected sebum samples from the upper backs of 64 participants. The findings suggested that samples from those with PD contained compounds associated with a unique odor profile. Dong and his team began with a confirmatory experiment using sebum samples collected from the upper back, as in the original study. However, they found that earwax was easier to collect and had a more stable chemical composition. These findings led them to focus on earwax in the current study. Ear wax also contains sebum. But unlike sebum on the surface of the skin, which is exposed to various factors that can degrade it. In contrast, sebum on skin inside the ear canal is protected. Dong's study included 209 participants, 108 of whom had a diagnosis of PD. Ear canal secretions were collected from all participants using swabs and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed that ear canal secretions from participants with PD contained 196 distinct VOCs compared with 168 VOCs in those without PD. Interestingly, no two participants had identical VOC profiles. A Disease 'Fingerprint'? 'In this case, VOC components could be used as a 'fingerprint' for disease identification,' the researchers wrote. Adjusted analyses identified four VOCs that significantly differed between participants with and without PD: ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane. The investigators trained the AIO system using VOC data. By combining gas chromatography-surface acoustic wave sensors with a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, the AIO system achieved up to 94.4% accuracy in distinguishing participants with PD from those without. In addition, the CNN model demonstrated a high level of performance with an area under the curve of 0.98, well above the 0.8 threshold considered strong by the researchers. 'Further enhancements to the diagnostic model could pave the way for a promising new PD diagnostic solution and the clinical use of a bedside PD diagnostic device,' the investigators wrote. For now, Dong said the study's takeaway message for clinicians is that 'the potential of volatile organic compounds secreted by the skin as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease has been further verified.'
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Science Behind That 'New Car Smell' (And Why It's Fading)
That "new car smell" is iconic, instantly recognizable, and oddly satisfying. For many drivers, it's a sensory symbol of something fresh, clean, and full of possibility. But behind that crisp scent is a surprising story of chemistry, manufacturing, and changing consumer expectations. What you're actually smelling isn't leather or luxury, but rather a complex blend of airborne chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released by the plastics, foams, adhesives, and fabrics used in your car's interior. These compounds evaporate over time in a process called off-gassing, filling the cabin with a cocktail of synthetic scents. It might feel nostalgic and even comforting for some. But that new car aroma is far from natural, and today's automakers are quietly phasing it out. Here's what's really happening inside your nose when you take that first deep breath behind the wheel. To understand what really causes the new car smell — and why it's disappearing — we looked at peer-reviewed studies on vehicle interior air quality. We also reviewed guidelines and reports from health and environmental organizations such the California Air Resources Board (CARB). To see how automakers are responding, we examined sustainability and materials reports from leading brands including Ford, Toyota, and Honda. The result is a look at the science, history, and future of one of the most instantly recognizable — and surprisingly controversial — aspects of car ownership. That new car smell? It's not just one scent — it's dozens of chemicals called VOCs, released from things like plastic, foam, and glue. This happens through off-gassing, especially when the car gets warm. An October 2000 study published in Research Gate found more than 60 of these VOCs inside new cars, including toluene and formaldehyde. Some have a strong smell, others don't, but they're all in the air you breathe. That new car smell comes from materials like seat foam, vinyl, plastics, and adhesives. As these break in, they release VOCs, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (known as BTEX), and formaldehyde. These aren't just car-related. The EPA lists them as common indoor air pollutants, found in products like paint, cleaners, and glues. In a new car, they all mix together in a warm, enclosed space, and that's what you're breathing in. Heat doesn't just warm up your car; it ramps up the release of chemicals inside it. That's why the new car smell is strongest after your vehicle's been sitting in the sun, which is why that scent hits hardest on hot days. Car makers are working to cut down on these fumes, but for now, that 'fresh' smell is mostly just chemistry. That new car smell isn't as strong as it used to be, and that's intentional. Automakers are working to cut down on VOC emissions to meet growing health and environmental standards. Brands like Ford, Toyota, and Honda have reported using water-based adhesives, low-emission materials, and better ventilation strategies to reduce chemical buildup inside the cabin. The goal is to make cars safer and cleaner to breathe in, even if that means losing a bit of that 'just-off-the-lot' scent. Not everyone loves that new car smell. In China, surveys have shown that many buyers find it unpleasant, even off-putting. In response, automakers have started designing 'low-odor' interiors specifically for that market. Some, like Geely, have in-house interior emissions standards to make sure these scents aren't overpowering before the car reaches customers. One of the simplest ways to cut down on VOCs? Just crack a window. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) notes that ventilation is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to airborne chemicals inside a vehicle. Parking in the shade, using a sunshade, and letting the car air out before driving can all help lower those VOC levels and make your ride a little fresher and safer. As manufacturers reduce VOCs, that iconic scent is fading, which has sparked demand for aftermarket 'new car smell' air fresheners. While these products try to mimic the aroma, most use perfume-like substitutes and don't replicate the exact chemical signature of real off-gassing. Popular examples include offerings from Yankee Candle and Chemical Guys, though the results vary. That new car smell isn't some magic finishing touch from the factory; it's the byproduct of dozens of synthetic materials breaking down and releasing trace chemicals into the air. For years, it was almost a badge of honor, a sensory signal that you were driving something fresh off the line. But now, as our understanding of air quality and chemical exposure grows, automakers are intentionally engineering it away. Some drivers still love that scent and associate it with quality and luxury. Others worry about what it means for their health, especially in a sealed environment like a car. The shift toward safer, low-emission materials means your next new car might not smell quite like the last one, and that's by design. In the end, the 'new car smell' is becoming less of a standard feature and more of a nostalgic memory. It's a sign of progress, even if your nose isn't thrilled about it.
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Strange sign in earwax may predict if you'll get brain disorder that affects 10million
That gross, waxy stuff in your ears could actually say a lot about your health. Researchers in China have identified key differences in the makeup of earwax in people with Parkinson's disease compared to people without the condition, suggesting the sticky stuff holds secrets that could flag a person's risk of eventually developing the condition. Scientists at Zhejiang University took earwax samples from 100 people with Parkinson's and 79 without. They chose earwax because much of it is made up of sebum, an oily substance that undergoes chemical changes in cases of Parkinson's, and releases distinct volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Parkinson's triggers neurodegeneration, inflammation, and oxidative stress, altering sebum's composition and creating a distinct odor. It also progressively damages the brain, causing tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. Over time, symptoms worsen to include sudden freezing, speech loss, swallowing problems — often leading to pneumonia — and falls, both common causes of death among people with Parkinson's. Four specific types of VOCs stood out among people with the condition, suggesting that earwax could potentially be an accessible indicator of Parkinson's, which would allow patients to avoid invasive diagnostic tests and spinal taps. Around 1million Americans and 10million people globally currently have the disease, with nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year. As that number is projected to climb, early diagnosis is more important than ever. While there is no cure, medication regimens can be started early to treat symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Researchers fed the VOC data from the samples of earwax into an algorithm that categorized subjects' Parkinson's status accurately 94 percent of the time, demonstrating the potential for a fast, reliable diagnostic tool. The VOCs that stood out to researchers were all significant in differentiating between people with the condition and those without it, even after accounting for age and lifestyle factors. Two of the VOCS, Ethylbenzene & 4-Ethyltoluene, are compounds commonly found in plastics and petroleum products. Their presence suggests inflammation in the brain, which is a key driver of the breakdown of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine, while often thought of as a 'feel good' neurotransmitter, is a key chemical messenger that regulates movement control. As dopamine levels plummet while Parkinson's progresses, people become steadily more immobile. Another significant VOC was Pentanal, which is produced when fats break down. Elevated levels suggest cell damage, a hallmark of Parkinson's. The compound has been linked to an accumulation of protein clumps in patients' brains. And the VOC 2-Pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane likely reflects issues with the metabolism of fats, which could have originated from microbiome changes in the skin of patients. It's unclear whether this VOC has any direct links to PD, but there is an expanding body of research pointing to a connection between PD and an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Research suggests that VOCs are produced by the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which have also been associated with brain health. An imbalance that allows harmful bacteria to flourish, leading to a proliferation of toxins that can cause inflammation in the brain. VOCs come from a wide array of toxic sources in the environment, from pesticides used to grow food, industrial chemicals in gasoline, and solvents in everyday items like dry cleaning chemicals and adhesives, to cleaning products, car emissions, and contaminated groundwater. Parkinson's is believed to be caused by a confluence of genetic and environmental factors. It is the world's fastest-growing brain disorder, and, according to NIH research, 'exposure to environmental toxicants is the principal reason.' In the US, deaths from Parkinson's disease have more than doubled in the past 20 years, with about 35,000 deaths in 2019 compared to 14,500 in 1999. Parkinson's death rates rose from 42 to 65 deaths per 100,000 from 1999–2017 While considering the clues that earwax can provide about Parkinson's development is new, investigating the role that VOCs play is not. A sweeping 2023 meta-analysis identified distinct VOCs present in the breath and skin oil in people with the disease compared to those without it. These compounds are specifically linked with oxidative stress, or a barrage of damage that cells endure before dying. Dr Hao Dong, a co-researcher on the recent study, said: 'This method is a small-scale single-center experiment in China. 'The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value.'
Globe and Mail
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Road lines fading faster after environmental rule, say local politicians – raising costs and safety concerns
Municipalities across the country say a government regulation that limits a group of chemicals used in painting road lines is hitting their budgets hard. Without the chemicals, they say, road lines fade more quickly, putting drivers at risk and forcing municipalities to repaint them more often. 'It seems like something small but it's actually something that affects every municipality across the country,' said Tim Tierney, vice-president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and an Ottawa city councillor. The federal regulations limit the allowable concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) − chemicals in paint products used for road markings − to 150 grams per litre in those products from 450. VOCs are also found in nail polish and hairsprays. The lower limit is required only from May 1 to Oct. 15, when the weather is mild and air pollution is a concern. These are the months during which most municipalities paint their road lines. The regulations by Environment and Climate Change Canada were put forward because VOCs contribute to the formation of both particulate matter and ground-level ozone, which are the two main components of smog. 'Health impacts from smog include irritated eyes, nose and throat. Smog can worsen existing heart and lung problems or may cause lung cancer with regular long-term exposure,' spokesperson Brandon Clim said in a statement. Gary LeRoux, president of the Canadian Coatings Association, said a steep drop in VOC concentration results in 'inherent issues with adhesion and durability.' Councillors across the country say the regulations overlook safety concerns on roads. They say municipalities now require multiple rounds of repaints a year as fading road lines continue to put drivers, pedestrians and motorists' lives at risk. Clark Somerville, councillor for the Town of Halton Hills and the region of Halton, said the regulation is ultimately costing Canadian taxpayers more, with their money being spent 'unnecessarily.' 'As the road painting is disappearing quicker, we are now spending taxpayers dollars to go out and repaint the roads more than what we had to before,' Mr. Somerville said. Rural municipalities say it's particularly an issue for them because their roads are darker and more dangerous at night. 'Anyone that gets behind a vehicle knows how important and key it is to have those lines on the road,' said Kara Westerlund, president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta and councillor for Brazeau County. 'Especially when you're in rural areas where we don't have [adequate] street lighting.' Ms. Westerlund, who represents 69 rural municipalities in Alberta, said it's not just councillors or elected officials who have been raising this issue. She said first responders, police services and volunteer firefighters are pointing to disappearing road markings to explain some road accidents. 'It's really tough because everyone wants to be a good steward to the environment, but I just think we have to pick and choose our battles,' said Mr. Tierney, the Ottawa councillor. 'And safety is a real one.' While councillors such as Mr. Somerville are calling for more funding to cover the cost of keeping up road lines, arguing that municipalities do not have the necessary 'wiggle room' in their budgets, Ms. Westerlund said more attention should be paid to the paint. 'Before throwing more funding at crews to paint the lines, let's get to the root of the issue and that is the paint itself,' Ms. Westerlund said. 'Let's find solutions there and move forward from there.' Mr. Clim, the Environment Canada spokesperson, said other factors also determine how long road markings last – traffic volume, weather conditions and how snow and ice are managed. The department 'has not received any technical information indicating that the VOC limits for traffic markings affect the product's performance,' Mr. Clim said. David Saucier, director of issues management at the Canadian Coatings Association, said the federal government should go back to the drawing board and consult industry experts. 'What are we compromising here?' Mr. Saucier said. 'If we're going to compromise health and safety for pedestrians and motorists, what are we saving?' Mr. Tierney said the regulation has had a positive impact when applied to products such as hairsprays or nail polish, 'even wall paint.' 'But when it comes to road painting specifically there doesn't seem to be a magic formula to make it work yet.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ECOMAGIC Co., Ltd. And POSCO INTERNATIONAL Sign Exclusive Sales Agreement for Thailand on a Core Technology for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in the Petroleum Energy Sector
SEOUL, South Korea, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era of escalating climate crisis, the world is placing 'carbon neutrality' at the forefront of global discourse. Countries around the world have pledged to submit detailed action plans to the United Nations by establishing Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. They continue to make steady efforts by expanding the adoption of renewable energy and implementing various alternatives to reduce carbon emissions. However, despite the global trend toward energy transition, the demand for petroleum as a major fossil fuel remains solid. In particular, because gasoline, which is the most widely used, has a boiling point of only 23°C, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are inevitably released during storage and transportation. These VOCs contain carcinogens like benzene and toluene that can cause serious illnesses once they enter the human body. In the midst of this challenge, a groundbreaking technology that reduces the emission of VOCs and carbon dioxide has been developed in South Korea. The company behind this innovation is ECOMAGIC Co., Ltd., recognized as a leading enterprise in the field of eco-friendly renewable energy and carbon reduction projects. For the past 11 years, ECOMAGIC has been dedicated to developing the 'Vapor Liquefaction Treatment System', a technology that ensures gasoline can be used wisely, without threatening human life and instead contributing positively to the environment. Together with POSCO INTERNATIONAL, a company with a global network, ECOMAGIC has taken a significant step toward advancing carbon neutrality practices. POSCO INTERNATIONAL is steadily developing greenhouse gas and carbon emission reduction projects in response to climate change and is moving forward with the goal of reinvesting corporate profits back into society through its ESG initiatives. Interview with Mr. Wooho Kim, Head of POSCO INTERNATIONAL Thailand 1. We heard that you made significant efforts to introduce ECOMAGIC's Vapor Liquefaction Treatment System into the Thai market. Could you share the background behind it? "POSCO INTERNATIONAL Thailand has been continuously monitoring the Thai government's efforts to strengthen environmental regulations and achieve carbon neutrality goals. In particular, vapor emissions generated during the storage and distribution of gasoline have become a major cause of air pollution and health issues, creating a clear need for effective solutions. ECOMAGIC's Vapor Liquefaction Treatment System is an innovative product capable of addressing these challenges. It significantly reduces vapor emissions compared to conventional methods and helps prevent gasoline losses, offering notable economic benefits as well. As part of our strategy to strengthen ESG management and expand our sustainable energy business in the Thai market, POSCO INTERNATIONAL decided to actively promote the introduction and sales of this product." 2. What is your outlook on the market potential for vapor liquefaction recovery systems at gas stations in Thailand? "Thailand is one of the major petroleum-consuming countries in ASEAN, with annual gasoline consumption exceeding 30 billion liters. As a result, vapor emissions generated during the gasoline distribution process have become a serious issue, and the Thai government is actively promoting various policies to reduce air pollution. Major refiners and gas station operators in Thailand are strengthening their ESG management and showing strong interest in adopting new technologies aimed at improving energy efficiency and protecting the environment. In particular, vapor recovery and liquefaction technologies are effective in reducing fuel losses and responding to tightening environmental regulations, which suggests there will be strong demand in the Thai market moving forward. POSCO INTERNATIONAL plans to strengthen collaboration with major gas stations and petroleum distributors in Thailand through its partnership with ECOMAGIC." 3. What other projects is POSCO INTERNATIONAL pursuing to support carbon neutrality? "As a global integrated business company, POSCO INTERNATIONAL is promoting a wide range of eco-friendly projects aimed at building a sustainable future. We are contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the energy transition through solar and wind power generation, and supporting the shift to green energy by establishing supply chains for low-carbon hydrogen and eco-friendly ammonia. In addition, we are advancing carbon emission reduction initiatives by utilizing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, moving one step closer to achieving carbon neutrality. Through these diverse ESG initiatives, POSCO INTERNATIONAL is committed to pursuing sustainable growth and will continue to strengthen its efforts toward carbon neutrality in both the Thai and global markets." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ECOMAGIC Co., Ltd.
