In Car Air Pollution, The Hidden Threat to Automobile Drivers !

We spend more time than ever before inside of cars. We drive to work, we drive to the hypermarket, shopping malls, and we drive to the family vacation spot. If we are going somewhere, chances are good that we are driving.

Not only are people driving more miles, traffic and other roadway delays mean that it often takes more time to go a shorter distance.

The average amount of time spent commuting to and from work has increased steadily since the 1985s, with a growing number of people now facing a daily drive time of thirty minutes or more each way.

Most people realize that there are risks associated with traveling by automobile. Drunk drivers,

road rage, and speeding tickets come to mind. The greatest concern of drivers stuck in traffic is most likely that they will not get to their destinations on time.

Few people, however, are concerned about the health effects of the air quality inside of their cars. If their thoughts turn to the subject at all, they are more likely to consider air pollution an outdoor problem.

Survey reports show that the air inside of cars typically contains more carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides than ambient air at nearby monitoring stations used to calculate air-quality statistics.

In-car pollution is often even worse than pollution in the air at the side of the road.

Elevated in-car pollution concentrations particularly endanger children, the elderly, and people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. While it receives little attention, in-car air pollution may pose one of the greatest modern threats to human health.

Health effects of biological pollutants

We are all exposed to biological pollutants and have evolved to survive low exposures. In many cases, adverse health effects depend on the type and amount of biological pollution, and on individual sensitivities.

Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem associated with biological agents. They are often related to animal dander (mostly from dogs and cats), dust mites and pollen. Reactions can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening, as in a severe asthma attack.

Some common signs and symptoms include:

runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes

coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing

headache and fatigue

People with asthma are especially susceptible to allergic problems caused by biological agents. Their very sensitive airways can react to various allergens and irritants, making breathing difficult.

Infectious diseases are another health problem caused by biological agents. Bacteria and viruses, such as the flu, measles, chicken pox and tuberculosis may be spread indoors. Crowded conditions with poor air circulation can promote this spread.

Toxic reactions are the least studied and least understood problems associated with biological agents. Some research suggests that toxins related to biological agents can damage a variety of organs and tissues in the body, including the liver, the central nervous system, the digestive tract and the immune system.

How to minimize in car pollution?

Maintain your Car properly    

The New York/New Jersey study showed that improperly maintained vehicles may have significantly higher in-car VOC concentrations than well-maintained vehicles up to 44 times !

Use VOCs free car care products only (such as Optimum, Smartwax eco safe range of products)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), also known as aromatic hydrocarbons, comprise a class of pollutants released during the combustion or evaporation of solvents, paints, glues, and fossil fuels.

These chemicals have the potential to do serious harm to the environment and human health.

VOCs serve as ingredients in the chemical reactions that form ground-level ozone, better known as smog. The EPA has designated many VOCs, including those typically found in auto pollution, as air toxics or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), which are known or suspected to cause serious health hazards and might cause cancer.

Low-level exposure to the majority of VOC air pollutants can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

Dry Vapor Steam Cleaning (not carpet cleaning that claims to be "steam cleaning")

Vacuuming will not remove the dust. Dry Vapor Steam cleaning is the only effective means to remove the dust and solve the problem.

Clean spills promptly and thoroughly.

Keep carpet clean and dry

When cleaning, use only nontoxic carpet cleaners and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. If the product label includes a caution or toxic symbol, or if the odour is strong, choose another product. Allow carpet to dry fully after wet cleaning.

Think before shampooing your carpet. People who misread or fail to follow directions for diluting carpet shampoo may expose themselves and others to respiratory problems from soap dust. Soap dust will lead to coughing, dry throat, breathing difficulties, nasal congestion and headaches.

 
Do not take things for granted ! Act now for our environment, your passengers and your safety, use Eco Safe care care products only !

Extract of Report No. 4, An Assessment of the Air Quality Inside Automobile Passenger Compartments.  Courtesy of International Center for Technology Assessment.