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Several years ago people never really gave the air in their vehicle a second thought. Yes, it may not have always been the most pleasant odor we all remember those family road trips in the back seat, but most folks just hung a fragrance tree on the mirror and grinned and bared it. Some people even claim to love the “new car smell”, which is primarily the smell of the various chemicals evaporating off of the new interior materials. Research has begun to compile the actual dangers of toxic chemicals found in your vehicle's interior, such as from the seats, dashboard, carpet, and other plastic, leather, and vinyl accessories. These chemicals are used within the material make-up to give rigidity, durability, and fire resistance to the vehicle. While all these things are good, their secondary toxic characteristics are not.
What Damage Might Occur by Interior Toxins:
While research does not have any specifics yet to the damage automotive grade interior toxins cause in humans, they do have a few studies that show the effects caused by the same chemicals found in the common household items. Such chemical exposure has been linked to liver, kidney, and brain damage, thyroid problems, or at the very least, allergies and asthma. Such chemicals have also been loosely linked to enlarged mid sections in males, as well as a higher risk for women giving birth to a sexually underdeveloped son.
Name that Chemical:
What chemicals exactly are we talking about that can be found inside your vehicles interior? Well, these can include any or all of arsenic, bromine, chlorine, mercury, lead, allergens, and yes, carcinogens. The greatest risk of inhaling these toxic chemicals is when sitting in the hot sun during stop and go traffic. As hopeless as this may sound, there are things that you can do to reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals.
- Crack Your Window for Ventilation - Yeah, it sounds so easy, but by just cracking your window a bit (even in the winter), you can release a sizable amount of the toxic air trapped in your vehicle, while also helping to cycle clean air throughout the cabin.
- Clean the Interior Once a Month - Nobody likes to clean out their car, but just a few minutes spent wiping the dash and seats down, will prevent all the dust and contaminants just lying around from ending up in your lungs. Instead of using a commercial cleaner, try using a good microfiber cloth. There is no need to introduce any more chemicals into an already abundantly chemically treated vehicle (unless it is so dirty that you have no other choice). To get your air conditioning/heater/defroster vents, a Q-tip cotton swab works great.
- Clean Your Windows Once a Month - A lot of the toxic buildup inside your vehicle ends up on your windows. This is part of that greasy sludge that you find on your windows after running your air conditioner and defroster for several months. Not only does this sludge often contain traces of harmful chemicals, but it also promotes glare during evening driving.
- Change Your Cabin Filter Once a Year - Most people change their oil, air, and fuel filter before they give much thought to the cabin air filter. This is a big mistake however, as while the air outside is dirty enough, these contaminates gain access through the ventilation, heating, and cooling system and can quickly become up to six times more concentrated inside the vehicle than outside. An old filter itself can even harbor molds, mildew, and spores under the right (or we should rather say, wrong) conditions. Your best defense against this smog, mold, and mildew in your vehicle is to change your cabin air filter at least once a year (more in dusty climates). Some of these filters are actually rather easy to change, and can be accomplished in only a few minutes. Others will need a mechanics expertise and special tools to get to (check with your manufacturer to find out which yours is). Either way, it's important to keep your vehicles air filtration working properly.
We can change out a filthy, contaminated air filter for a new one in matter of minutes, but we only get one pair of lungs from which to work with our entire lives!
More green car care tips:
Top Green Hybrid Car Tips
How to Tune Your Own Car for Better Gas Mileage
Don't DIY: Car Washing
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