The climate is an indispensable accessory for drivers who want to cool off during the summer. But did you know that if you use it wrong, you can inhale a toxic gas that can seriously affect your health? Learn how to avoid exposure to benzene, a chemical compound that can cause cancer, in this article.
What is benzene and where does it come from?
Benzene is an organic chemical compound that has the formula C6H6. It is colorless, flammable and has a characteristic odor. Benzene is used as a raw material in the chemical industry to produce plastics, rubber, detergents, dyes and other products. Benzene is also found in exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, paint and adhesives.
Benzene can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Once in the bloodstream, benzene can affect the nervous system, blood, liver and kidneys. Benzene can cause anemia, low white blood cell counts, and leukemia. Benzene is also classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization.
How does benzene accumulate in the car?
One of the main sources of benzene in the environment is the car. Benzene is found in plastics inside the car, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, seats and floor mats. When the car is exposed to the sun, these materials heat up and release benzene into the air. This gas accumulates in the passenger compartment and can reach very high concentrations.
According to one research article, a car parked in the sun with the windows closed can accumulate between 2000 and 4000 mg of benzene per cubic meter of air. This amount is 40 times higher than the permissible limit for health, which is 50 mg per cubic meter of air. Another article on the Yeni Akit website claims that benzene can especially affect children, who are more sensitive to toxic substances.
How to reduce exposure to benzene?
If you want to protect yourself from the harmful effects of benzene, you need to take some simple measures when using the air conditioner in your car. Here’s what you need to do:
Don’t turn on the air conditioning immediately after getting into the car. First, leave the windows open for a few minutes to allow stale air to escape. Then turn on the air conditioner and set it to recirculation mode to avoid outside air coming in. Check if your car has an air filter for the climate. The role of this part is to remove unwanted particles and gases from the air entering the passenger compartment. If the filter is dirty or worn, it will no longer perform its function correctly. Therefore, it is recommended to change it at regular intervals, according to the car manual. Avoid parking the car in the sun or under trees that may secrete resins or pollen. These substances can increase the level of benzene in the air. If you have no other choice, use a protective car cover or windshield sunshade. Do not smoke in the car. Cigarette smoke is a major source of benzene and other toxic substances. If you smoke in the car, you not only put your health at risk, but also that of your passengers.
Conclusion
Air conditioning is a useful accessory for your comfort during the summer, but it must be used with caution. Don’t forget to ventilate the car well before turning on the air conditioning and check your air filter periodically. Thus, you will reduce the amount of benzene you breathe and prevent serious diseases such as cancer.
2023-08-01 10:01:29
#dangerous #air #conditioning #car
