interior plastic parts smell

[Kdancy]

I've noticed this on several Studes and Hudson's I have worked on. Some of the interior parts such as the door arm rests have a very stinky smell emitting from the plastic part.
Any way to treat these parts to get rid of the smell?

[StudeRich]

There was a very early type of Plastic formula that was used in the 40's and 50's and before, it was usually a Bone, or Ivory color of off white. Knobs and Handles were also made of it.
My Mom had a set of sharp knives with that type of plastic handles, and you can imagine the horrible odor when you opened that drawer !

I don't know if clear coat paint would seal them or not, newer not gassed off yet, or exposed to heat and light replacements might be the only option, IF it helps.

Quote Google: "Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, and strong-smelling gas used in the manufacturing of many products and a byproduct of various combustion processes.

It is a known human carcinogen linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia, and exposure can cause respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma attacks. Sources include wood products, paints, adhesives, and emissions from burning fuels."

[rockne10]

"Formaldehyde ... Sources include wood products, paints, adhesives, and emissions from burning fuels."
Not to mention high school and college biology classes.

[oilnsteel]

Those old plastics were from a family known as cellulosics. Cellulose acetate butyrate outgasses butyric acid, which, not to put too fine a point on it, stinks. It is very commonly used
for screwdriver handles, as it is very tough and durable. I keep my Craftsman screwdrivers confined to a drawer when they aren't free ranging in the shop, and there is always the rancid butter smell when the drawer is opened.

We used to injection mold the stuff. The smell is unpleasant, but harmless unless you have just had a cold greasy pork and boiled squid sandwich. JT

[52DW2R5]

oilnsteel solved a question I'd always had re my chisel drawer! Thank you.

[bensherb]

Interesting; most of my tools, screwdrivers (craftsman ,stanley, and other brands 3 rollaway drawers worth) , chisels and everything else are 50 plus years old and I've never noticed any particularly strong smell to them.

[M-Webb]

I've definitely smelled that funky old plastic smell. I just thought it was me though, so didn't want to share. I'm hoping one of these newfangled all body deodorants they seem to be pushing these days will help, but I'm not getting my hopes up. Maybe there is a soon to be forthcoming AI solution, it will finally prove to actually be useful for something.