Refrigerator chemicals?

[Joe1222]

I'm a college student and live in a dorm with very bad ventilation. I can't afford to keep my windows open since it's still winter and there are no vents or anything.

In any case, I recently bought a compact refrigerator and set it up in the dorm, but I have noticed a chemical smell in the room since I have set it up. I've read that new refrigerators may have a chemical smell due to out-gassing plastic, so I was wondering if this was the source for the chemical smell, or whether this is unusual and if continual exposure to this is harmful in any way.

Thanks.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Dear Joe,

The "new plastic smell" or "new car smell" are topics that are being currently studied for the possible health effects that may be associated with the volatile organic chemicals that "leach" out of many types of consumer products. Another classic example of pungent odors from new consumer products is a new shower curtain.

There are over a hundred articles on just one of these classes of chemicals: phthalates. If you were to 'google' for phthalates you would find a lot of information that is suggestive of possible health effects. Currently, there are studies that show effects in animals but there have not been studies in humans that associate phthalates with specific health effects.

For now, the best guidance that I can give you is to try to ventilate the area with a fan.

I hope that this is helpful to you.

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[Joe1222]

There is also a bit of an alcohol smell.

[Joe1222]

Thank you for your help, Dr. Parks.

It is a bit difficult to describe the smell. I can only describe it as plasticly, chemical smell. I am mainly concerned whether smelling/inhaling the plastics or whatever may cause health problems. I hope not, since I have heard that the situation may be similar to the "new car smell" which is relatively harmless?

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Dear Joe,

New compact refrigerators can "off gas" a smell for a period of time.

I would also examine the posterior part of the refrigerator to make sure that there is no plastic or packaging near the compressor or working parts of the refrigerator.

Can you describe what this "smell" smells like?

Is it possible to keep your dorm room door open when your there with a fan to ventilated the room?

I cannot say with certainty with regard to the danger of the smell that you have described.

You might consider placing boxes of baking soda to decrease the odors. I have also heard of people placing charcoal (not match light) in to absorb the odors as well.

The odors can also come from the soft plastic/vinyl/rubber that is used to maintain the seal on the door.

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.