Author Topic: Important -- Open your car windows before you turn A/C on! (Read 2248 times)

Matthew · « **on:** August 24, 2009, 10:27:55 PM »

Please pay attention to this helpful information and STAY Healthy!!!!

SNOPES: http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/benzene.asp

Please do not turn on A/C as soon as you enter the car on a HOT day. Open the windows first upon entering your car to let the car air out for a bit, and then turn on the air-conditioning.

Here's why: According to research, the car dashboard, upholstery, air freshener emit Benzene, a cancer-causing toxin (carcinogen - take time to observe the smell of heated plastic in your car). In addition to causing cancer, Benzene poisons your bones, causes anemia and reduces white blood cells. Prolonged exposure may cause Leukemia, increasing the risk of cancer. May also cause miscarriage.

Acceptable Benzene level indoors is 50 mg per sq.ft.. A car parked indoors with windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benzene. If parked outdoors under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F (10 degrees C), the Benzene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level.

People who get into the car, keeping windows closed will inevitably inhale, in quick succession, excessive amounts of the toxin. Benzene is a toxin that affects your kidneys and liver. What's worse, it is extremely difficult for your body to expel this toxic stuff.

So friends, please open the windows and door of your
car - give time for interior to air out - dispel the deadly stuff - before and
particularly before you turn on the air conditioner to circulate and get a big
blast of this stuff!!

Thought: 'When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others.'

Elizabeth · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2009, 11:28:57 AM »

100% agreement on this one!

I don't see how people can stand it. If my husband would tolerate it I would simply leave the windows open all the time, and count on the Holy Angels and the St. Benedict medal to keep it safe!!

The same danger for newer apartment buildings and houses. I mean less than 100 years old. It is way better to have windows open as often as possible.

SJB · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2009, 12:11:41 PM »

Most autos have a recirculation and fresh air setting. When you turn on the defroster, the setting if automatically switched to fresh air.

I would suggest leaving the windows closed when it is raining, as the danger from being wet during you commute might be greater than any benzene one might be exposed to.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2009, 12:16:09 PM »

:dancing:

OK when it's raining I will close the windows. And I will use windsheild wipers.

SJB · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2009, 12:37:49 PM »

Quote from: Elizabeth

:dancing:

OK when it's raining I will close the windows. And I will use windsheild wipers.

And you didn't even need a study to tell you that!

The "study" quoted in the snopes piece also stated that it found no connection between commuter exposure to benzene and the onset of cancer.

Keep your minds healthy as well. :)

Elizabeth · « **Reply #5 on:** August 25, 2009, 04:46:59 PM »

I forgot to say "Hi!" to you, SJB. Welcome!