Awful Dangers Lurking in Automobiles
Everyone driving an automobile is aware of the danger of getting hurt if they are involved in an accident.
What a vast majority of the people do not realize is the fact that there are just as grave dangers inside their automobiles as there are outside.
There are many toxins released inside the car that can cause serious damage if one is not careful.
The braking pads, clutch plates and some other parts of older vehicles contain asbestos.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and other cancers. What is even more worrisome is that the symptoms of the disease do not become apparent up to ten or fifteen years after exposure.
Once the dangers linked to asbestos were known, its use in cars has almost been eliminated.
However, if one owns an older model and enjoys working on their vehicle and changing brake pads, then appropriate protection should be used.
The remnants of flame retarding substances known as PBDEs frequently accumulate on the windshield of the car.
They are added to clothing and other items to protect against fires and enter the vehicle through vents. It is essential that the windshield is cleaned regularly as breathing in PBED is especially hazardous to pregnant women. Exposure to PBDEs is linked to birth defects, premature births and learning disabilities.
Car knobs and doors are frequently coated with chlorine and bromine. This is done so that if a car catches fire due to an accident or some other reason, the inside is protected against it and the passengers are safe until rescued.
Unfortunately, being exposed to these chemicals can cause thyroid issues and has been linked to ovary and prostate cancer.
Being exposed to bromide can cause learning disabilities. As a safety measure, make sure to wash hands after exiting the car and do not allow children to put fingers into their mouths after touching the car parts.
Another dangerous toxic substance commonly found in cars is benzene. Seat coverings and dashboards contain benzene and the chances of exposure increase on hot days as the dashboard starts to heat. One can even detect a faint burning smell during the warmer summer days.
While this smell is usually mistaken for car odor, it is better if one drives with the windows rolled down for a short while and allows the fumes to escape.
The danger associated with breathing in the tailpipe exhaust of cars has been well documented. While car companies are always looking for ways to minimize dangers associated with the different chemicals released by cars, there is plenty of room for improvement. In the meanwhile, it is best to be cautious.
Mesothelioma and other cancers and dangerous diseases can be kept at bay if one is aware of these dangers and uses their vehicle with care.
