ARE YOU DIRTY DRIVING?
When it comes to car buying, what about the “extras” you get with the car? Are you thinking fabric protection, extended warranties, GPS or anti theft systems? How about bacteria, viruses, odors and harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)? Most bacteria found in cars come from dead skin cells and soil tracked in on shoes, hands or animal paws, not to mention other ways we don’t want to think about.
IS YOUR CAR MAKING YOU SICK?
Because of our current economy more people are buying pre-owned vehicles and need to be aware that the interior of that vehicle is full of harmful microorganisms. Experts say coffee drinkers and drivers with children tend to have vehicles with higher germ levels, since mold and bacteria are attracted to sugary substances.
According to a well known microbiologist, there is more bacteria and mold in cars than in houses. Dr. Chuck Gerba, a University of Arizona microbiologist was quoted as saying, "In cars, germs seem to tend to build up because people aren't really cleaning or disinfecting these areas." He said, "Our germs are traveling with us and everybody that travels in that car carries their germs and leaves them in your car."
These same vehicles and the included “extras” are being sold to unaware consumers.
Yes, dealerships do have vehicles detailed, but detailing isn’t much more than a wash, dry, and vacuuming and if polished, contaminants (airborne pollens, bird droppings, etc.) are removed on the outside of the car. It will do nothing to sanitize the interior of the vehicle or reduce VOC’s where you and your loved ones will be exposed to incalculable contaminants.
AND WHAT ABOUT RENTAL CARS?
Watch this video from Today Show correspondant, Jeff Rossen. You'll be asking for a sanitized rental car from now on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b2UhcOGZGk
TOXIC CHEMICALS YOU'RE BREATHING WHILE DRIVING:
IN-CABIN INTERIOR AIR QUALITY: Plastic components contain chemical additives that off-gas and contribute to "new car smell." When inhaled these chemicals can cause strong allergic reactions as well as serious long-term health problems.
From the Ecology Center "2006 Automotive Plastics Report"- the nation's leading watchdog on toxic chemicals in cars and grades the country's eight leading car manufacturers on their plastics policies and practices www.ecocenter.org/sites/default/files/publications/docs/healthycarguide07.pdf
 Instead of a pre-owned vehicle you might believe that with all the incentives being offered, this is a good time to buy a new car and not worry about the germs and mold from previous owners. But, there have been many reports about that “new car smell” and what it consists of. VOC’s (Volatle Organic Compounds) such as phthalates are partly responsible for the smell associated with new cars that become elevated and more toxic at high temperatures. Air Quality Sciences, Inc. explains Volatile Organic Compounds as carbon-based chemicals, which under the right conditions can evaporate into the air – hence the term “volatile.” As with other types of indoor environments, materials and products used in car interiors frequently have organic compounds as a part of their composition. These fumes are known to cause a variety of health problems that have been linked to birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births and early puberty in laboratory animals.
So, what can be done to protect car buyers from interior toxins, germs and odors? How many dealers do you know of sanitize the vehicle for your protection? Shouldn't they?
It is recommended that people have their car sanitized at least twice a year to reduce the build up of hidden germs because as Dr. Gerba also stated, "If you're a soccer mom, you're essentially driving a germ-mobile."
Think of a sanitizing treatment as a “fresh start” and added peace of mind because there are just some “extras” you don’t want whether you have had your car for awhile or it's new to you.
Please call us for pricing and details.
Women in particular should visit www.askpatty.com before buying a vehicle. Jody DeVere felt strongly enough about the services we offer to ask us to write an article about them. http://caradvice.askpatty.com/ask_patty_/2009/08/be-aware-of-environmental-extras-you-dont-want.html
Jody DeVere is the CEO of AskPatty.com, Inc, a website, blog, and marketing to women agency providing automotive education to women consumers, as well as training, ongoing marketing support and education, and certifications to car dealers, independent service locations, tire dealers, collision centers, and other automotive retailers.
If you are a car dealer, dealership manager or car rental company interested in offering sanitizing and/or deodorizing services and would like more information on the equipment and training we can provide for these services, please call GP Air Restoration directly at 425-385-8727. We would be happy to assist you in the training necessary to become Certified Air Restoration Specialist (CARS) Technicians.
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