Hi John, The term outgassing refers to the vapors released when certain organic compounds cure. For example, when you paint a car, the curing process involves outgassing. As the paint "dries" it releases vapors into the atmosphere. If you're at a car show and walk by a freshly painted car, you can smell the paint. Actually you are smelling the vapors that are outgassing from the paint mixture. This process starts as soon as you mix the paint with thinner and hardener. The term outgassing is also called degassing and is used interchangeably. We use this term every day here at Baldwin Brass, as we coat most of out finely polished brass with clear lacquer and we allow it to outgas before we assemble our hardware and gift items. If you think about it, this is also what's happening to vinyl dash pads, vinyl seats, and door panels. I've since learned that if you park your car inside a garage you should open a window to allow these vapors to escape and thus reduce the fogging effect on your windows. I don't know if the vapors released by vinyl are harmful to the human body, but I think if they are, the folks in California would already have posted warning labels on all new car dashes by now. Imagine this, "Warning: the vinyl in this vehicle is known to the state of California to cause cancer in laboratory animals." Well I guess I'll have to keep those animals out of my car! Regards, Mark > -----Original Message----- > From: John Hertog [SMTP:crossram@xxxx] > Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 5:38 PM > To: Mark Souders > Subject: Outgassing ? > > Hi Mark, > > Now there's a new word I can add to my vocabulary ! Outgassing ! I really > like the sound of it ! Did you just make it up ? > :) > > John > > > From: "Mark Souders" > > I remember the only car I ever bought brand new was a 74 Duster. It had > > vinyl seats and rubber floor, no carpet. My only complaint was the > windows > > were always fogged up. The dealer told me that it was natural for the > vinyl > > to outgas and that it would stop after a few months. I had that car for > 5 > > years and it never stopped outgassing. > > > > Mark > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]