Purifying Your Air Con Reduces Health Risks
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 17 July 2010
Pollution inside a car with a poorly maintained air conditioning system can be five times higher than levels outside.
So with currently more than 32 million cars on the road and estimates suggesting that at least 50% of these have air conditioning or climate control, many motorists could be putting their health and that of their families at risk this Summer if they don’t purify their air con system.
One simple and effective way for motorists to alleviate this problem themselves is to use an Air Con Refresher, which Astra Automotive has designed to quickly eliminate unpleasant odours emitted from the car air con system. It will also kill off any bacteria and mould and fungi on the evaporator.
“On average a motorist spends 450 hours per year in their car, and if the air conditioning unit is not properly maintained the cabin can be filled with pollutants and micro-organisms. This can cause health risks, particularly amongst the most vulnerable such as children, the elderly and asthmatics,” says Leon Callahan, Astra Automotive’s Managing Director.
“Scientists believe the problem is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the deepest recess of a vehicle’s air conditioning system. It is sometimes quoted as ‘sick car syndrome’ – a mobile version of the sick building syndrome blamed for illness in offices. The AA have undertaken studies and identified micro organisms on insulation material and evaporators inside the air conditioning unit as the prime suspect. Moisture collects in certain parts of the air conditioning units, which provides a breeding ground for smelly bugs and the airborne particles they produce. Although it is not likely to cause human infections, this air pollution is a known cause of headaches, nausea and allergic reactions,” adds Leon.
Common signs that the air con is not operating effectively include smells, grease marks on the windscreen, excessive moisture in the cabin, a lack of force from the cabin vents and a lack of cold air.
To avoid these health risks, Astra Automotive recommend using the Air Con Refresher once a year (or when you buy a used car). You use by simply depressing the nozzle level on the 250ml can whilst the air con system is running, and leave for 15 minutes – making sure all passengers have exited the vehicle and all doors and windows are closed. The Air Con Refresher is available direct from Astra Automotive or from selected specialist automotive stockists, priced at just £6.38.
Astra Automotive is 'The Professional's Brand' and has been supplying value for money, quality products to the professional automotive market for more than 30 years.
For further information visit www.astraautomotive.co.uk
