Pollutants giving you sick car syndrome

House Calls

By Gerald W. Deas, M.D.

Folks spend a great deal of time to and from in automobiles. They are constantly exposed to environmental pollutants. Certainly, most cars today have heaters, as well as air-conditioning systems. They also have other ventilation systems which draw air from the outside to the inside of the car.

I am sure that you have had the experience of sitting in your car behind a bus, truck or outdated car and smelling the gas fumes leaping out at you. Those gases are toxic and that is why they are exhausted to the outside. Many folks, however, can be allergic to the hundreds of chemicals in the exhaust gas. These irritants affect the eyes, skin, nasal passages and respiratory system.

In the winter, particularly, when all windows are closed tightly, these toxic substances become highly concentrated, resulting in symptoms that might be misinterpreted as viral or bacterial infections.

Because of my background in industrial toxicology, I have always been aware of environmental causes of diseases. Asthma, as well as bronchitis can be produced from even dry cleaning fluid that is present in clothing that you have just picked up from the cleaners. In fact, those clothes should be aired out properly before putting them in your home closet.

If the filters of the air conditioning system in your car are not adequately cleaned, you might be exposed to mold and other infectious agents. This is known as the “sick car syndrome.”

Recently, the market has been flooded at garages with chemical laden deodorizers which are hung in your car. They give off odors simulating anything from a strawberry to a new car smell. All of these items have been saturated with chemicals that are capable of vaporizing due to the cars heating system. Many folks may experience a chemical asthma or bronchitis. One should take this very seriously if you are transporting children or babies. This allergic reaction could cause a runny nose and itchy eyes and an antihistamine is not the answer.

I hope that by this time you get my point. Anything that is natural or unnatural can trigger allergic asthma and bronchitis, which should not be treated with cold remedies and antibiotics. You can prevent the “sick car” syndrome by airing out your car and not driving with the windows so tightly closed, especially during the winter months.

Many folks can also experience this same feeling of carsickness due to the cars motion and this is called “motion sickness.” One can experience this in cars, airplanes, trains, elevators as well as sailing. This condition can be relieved with a simple antihistamine known as Dramamine. This drug was discovered several years ago by scientists at Johns Hopkins Hospital that relieved patients suffering from hives. It was also used during WWII on seagoing troops to prevent seasickness.

I believe that many auto accidents might be caused by toxic chemicals released into the cars, which could produce mental confusion and thus be a contributing factor, rather than an alcohol consumption. By all means, do not drink while driving!

For great health tips and access to an online community of physicians and other healthcare professionals visit Dr.Deas.com.

This is part of the February 10, 2010 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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