A recent study found that the xB was among the worst cars in terms of interior air quality. As I am considering the new xB, does anyone have any information on whether or not Scion has addressed the claims of the report both in terms of its accuracy, as well as implications for the 2008 xB?

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=120044

http://www.healthycar.org/vehicle.mostleast.php

http://www.healthycar.org/downloads/healthycarguide07.pdf

Word is the new dash is made from organically grown pete moss that's been sundried on an organically grown meadow of grass to harden. The seat fabric and the carpet are going to be made of the same material, but instead of sun drying, the moss will be teased to give it a fiberous look like carpet, and the fabric will come from the pete moss being rolled between heavy logs which were felled pine trees at one time...grown organically of course.

The paint is genetically modified algae.
You have to water is everyday but, the air quality is better the most swamps.

I have a Bromine deficiant diet, so i'm happy with the way it is.

Alas, after a year, my 06 xB has lost almost all of its new car smell. Wish I had a canful of those bromides to spray around again. I went looking but only found Febreeze etc that make a bathroom smell.

I hear the new Xb will have a standard air filter - yay. As far as all this fibre stuff, all I can say is: If have have to eat any more of this fibre stuff, I'm gonna die of ROPE BURN!
Howard in Gilroy

The fact he reposted this with the same links and a slight modification to try to get it left here smells of SPAM.
The links still have nothing to do with the 2008 Scion xB. :eyebrow:


Some of the earlier replies are quite funny though so it is not a total loss. :clap:

Did you know that there is a tray for the inside air filter just behind the glove box. I had the honor of finding out from a friend that the accumulation of dust was indeed from a lack of an inside air filter. Did you also know that if you ask nice and inquire about the filter from your local dealer parts person...they may hook you up with the filter.....NO CHARGE....but you have to be nice.

Word is the new dash is made from organically grown pete moss that's been sundried on an organically grown meadow of grass to harden. The seat fabric and the carpet are going to be made of the same material, but instead of sun drying, the moss will be teased to give it a fiberous look like carpet, and the fabric will come from the pete moss being rolled between heavy logs which were felled pine trees at one time...grown organically of course.

From the Amazon Rain Forest? :rofl:

Seriously, the quoted articles (above) smell of "junk science" (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junk_science) to me.

Oh, well, its interesting reading and a a diversion while awaiting the arrival of my 2008 we have on order. :pray:

I smell a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!

Can't wait for my check!

I smell a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!

Can't wait for my check!

No, you smell VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds).....it's a similar smell, easy mistake that anyone can make ;-)

I would KILL for a life where the biggest problem I have to worry about is the .0000009 parts-per-million plastic bits I inhale in my car. 9_9 I'm a little more concerned about the moron on the cellphone in the Escalade barrelling toward me. :roll:

Look closely, people - this is the ONLY time in the world you'll see the Chevy Cava-lobalt on a "top 10 best picks" list.

I read this too, and immediately contacted scion (since I plan on buying an Xb when it comes out), and they finally responded a month later:

Scion Customer Experience

Customer (joseph) 03/25/2007 07:23 PM
I saw this report:
http://www.healthycar.org/downloads/healthycarguide07.pdf
<http://www.healthycar.org/downloads/healthycarguide07.pdf>

I was very interested in the new model of the Scion Xb, until I read
this report that the Xb got a rating of 4.3 out of 5 (dangerously
toxic). I'm going to assume this is a test of the old model. I would
like to know if anything is being done about this issue in the new
model, and if so how safe will it be?

Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

Subject
toxic chemicals in cars

Discussion Thread
Response (Davon) 04/09/2007 02:34 PM

Thank you for contacting Scion.
We appreciate your concerns regarding the Scion xB.
After reviewing the link that you provided, it appears the tests that
were conducted claim to be relevant to the previous year and model xB.
You should be happy to hear that all Scion vehicles that are
manufactured including the all new xB that is set to release next month
(May 2007) either meet or exceed all Government requirements.

We make every effort to manufacture a quality product by researching,
testing, and constantly monitoring performance. Consumer opinion and
perception also play an active role in our ongoing efforts to lead the
automobile industry in quality, innovation, styling, and reliability.

We have documented your comments at our National Headquarters where they
will remain available for review by the appropriate departments. It is
through comments such as yours that we are able to review and improve
our products.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file
#200704090084. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to
contact us
<http://toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/toyota.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p
_faqid=164> .


Thank you for your interest in Scion.

So the typical PR response of course doesn't really answer my question. All they say is that it meets government regulations, not that they improved in the air quality. Oh well, guess I just need to make sure the windows are tinted so the sun doesn't release the toxic chemicals.

Seriously, the quoted articles (above) smell of "junk science" (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junk_science) to me.
Seems like Mickie3 has the correct assessment. Smells like junk science Spam and eggs to me.

soki-orb's probably has some connection to the linked site. :roll:

One of the admins already deleted one thread this guy started on this same topic with the same links, so he comes back with a slightly modified version. Very spammer-like.

I'm going to go ahead and say what everything is thinking: If you choose not to buy a car because a reporter with nothing better to do tells you that bromides might possibly interact in such a way that there's a chance it's possible it might have a tiny effect on your life, then you're an idiot; as such, I'd prefer you didn't buy a Scion because it would give the rest of us a bad name. Thanks!