Putting on the A/C immediately after getting into a car can give your respiratory ailments
The smell of a new car may seem very fascinating, but it is lethal to your health.
Vikrant Singh (45), vice president in a multinational company, spends up to three hours in his car every day. Until a few days ago, Singh had the habit of entering his car and putting its air conditioning system on full blast. The unbearably humid climate made it difficult for him to open the windows even for a minute. However, when he visited a chest physician with severe cough, he was diagnosed with respiratory infection.
Dr Tridib Chatterjee, chest physician, said: “Do not immediately put the AC on after sitting in the car. The AC is in an indoor ventilation phase, which means no air comes in from outside. If a car is kept locked for up to ten hours or more, it leads to release of volatile organic compounds, which hamper health.”
A peep inside the car interiors reveals that there are materials like plastic, wood, leather and upholstery installed. They are fixed with glues and sealants. International researchers have pointed out that chemicals used to make seat cushions, arm rests, floor coverings and plastic parts can break down into toxic dust which, when inhaled, becomes a serious health risk. In the summer, in a closed car, the release of toxins from these materials is exacerbated by heat. “To add to this, damp environs of a car can lead to deposition of invisible fungi and pores, which may lead to trouble for asthmatics or cause lung infections in a healthy person,” said Dr Chatterjee.
Satinder Kaur, research scholar at National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in Worli, said, “Compounds are proven to be released in the insides of the car. The car should be ventilated for up to fifteen minutes to let go the foul odour or the new car smell. If the AC is started immediately, it may lead to headache and sickness for the driver and the travellers.”
Drivers can reduce the rate of release of these chemicals by using solar reflectors, avoiding parking in sunlight and ventilating car interiors by pulling down the windows for ten to fifteen minutes. Later, air purifiers may be used.
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