👉 Hardcover fumes refer to the lingering, often unpleasant odors that can emanate from new books bound in hardcover, particularly those made with paper and glue that haven't fully dried. These fumes are a result of the materials used in the binding process, such as the type of paper, adhesives, and sometimes even the inks or coatings, which can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they settle. This phenomenon is more noticeable immediately after opening a new hardcover book but can persist for several weeks or even months, depending on storage conditions. While generally not harmful, these odors can be quite strong and unpleasant, often described as musty, chemical, or even sweet-smelling, depending on the materials used.
