The following may be of interest:
WHAT CAR COMPANIES ADMIT INTERNALLY BUT HIDE FROM YOU
No one really knows how long ago vehicle manufacturers have known about the public health risks of being exposed to all the toxic chemicals they use in the manufacturing process. Most like to claim ignorance, as they only put the parts together to create your dream car. Sadly, only because consumer groups have protested loud enough about the relationship between serious health issues and toxic chemicals, did the car companies finally sit up and take notice. As a result, progress is being made to reduce toxic chemicals in vehicles, homes and offices.
A LITTLE HISTORY
We have in our possession two car dealer related pieces of evidence that strongly indicate that the car companies have known about the problem for many, many years. Yet it took consumer group pressure to get them to admit to the clear danger of health problems. Why did they hide this information from the public?
WHAT CHEVROLET KNOWS
On May 10, 1972 Chevrolet issued a Dealer Service Information Bulletin to Service Mangers informing them that “An oily film or haze may form on the inside surface of the windshield and other body glass surfaces… under certain conditions.
This film is due to the migration of certain ingredients used in manufacturing plastic interior components. These solvents or politicizing agents are secreted from plastic components when subjected to high ambient temperatures and subsequently condense on the relatively cooler surfaces of the vehicle such as the windshield and body glass. The condition will diminish as these ingredients are bled from the materials.
This film can best be removed by wiping the glass with a household glass cleaner containing ammonia….vinegar may be substituted, but may leave an odor.
Due to the recurring nature of this film, periodic cleaning is required and is considered a normal maintenance function.”
Note that Chevrolet implies that this (toxic) film was something you should expect from your new car and that it is your problem to try and clean it off. That would be fine if they had warned you ahead of time.
Note also, that they did not offer to remove the haze as part of the new car warranty. Why not? Is it the owners fault? One thing for sure, no car company currently offers a product that can get rid of that oily film!
WHAT FORD KNOWS
In January of 1983, Automotive News broke the story that first appeared in The Journal of Safety Litigation News from the Center for Auto Safety that Ford had settled a case, out of court, with Thomas David, of Zion , IL, whose windshield was covered by a film apparently coming from the elasticized component of the vinyl upholstery in a 1981 Mercury Capri. Settlement involved repurchase of the car, plus attorneys fees and cost of tests made by an independent laboratory.
The suit was over this: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been accused of being a carcinogen and its fumes are said to cause deposits on inside windows thick enough to be scraped off with a razor blade.
The case was brought against Ford Motor Co. under the Manson Act charging breach of the written warranty, implied warranty or service contract.
Lab test results and photographs showed a matching of the windshield film with the Plasticine component of the upholstery.
Seems it's not healthy either!