Is Your Car Making YOU Sick?
A few months ago, I did a post, on another site, similar to this one. That post encouraged parents to think about the health of their child(ren) car seat.
Tonight's post continues that thought process by encouraging the parent to further their thinking by considering the health of their car.
This post stems from my recent car buying experience.
I found it fascinating that a salesperson can tell me all about the engine's environmental features and gadgets, but yet they remain clueless when it comes to the safety of the interior.
I'm not talking about the side safety curtain or front/side airbags.
I'm talking about the fabric, the dash, etc.
Lately, I've been really concerned about VOCs and their effect on my family which is why buying a new car has been more of a chore than the pleasant experience it should be.
However, I'm incredibly grateful that I have assistance when it comes to selecting the healthiest car for us.
HealthyCar.org is a great place for a concerned citizen, like me, to investigate the amount of toxic chemicals within a car's interior space.
Why you need HealthyCar.org?
There are many reasons why I care about my potential new car's toxicity, but one reason prevails above all others.
I want what's best for my family which means I will sacrifice my Over-40 sexy factor if it keeps my family healthy. {wink}
My hub was looking at the mini vans, and I told him that there are still some things I'm not willing to sacrifice. He is more than welcome to pass the trousers my way and wear the panties in our happy clan. He can also drive himself into MV eutopia, for all I care. I just ain't joinin' him! {wink} (No disrespect to those of you who actually enjoy cruisin' in your MVs.)
Not knowing toxicity levels, the following vehicles made it to the finals based on our criteria: affordability, fuel efficiency, safety, resale value, interior space (read as room to grow) and, more importantly, interior toxicity levels.
I'm sure it will come as no surprise to you that the Prius is the healthier car of the three. Of course, the interior is still comprised of suspect chemicals like Arsenic and Cobalt, but the levels are extremely low. I guess someone needs to explain to me why they are even present, but I guess I'll save that for another post.
Did I want a really cute car? Yes!
Did I want a really fast car? Yes!
Did I want an eco friendly car? Heck yes!
I'm thinkin' a Prius will actually up my sexy factor because it'll show that I am one eco-conscious mama who cares a lot about not only her family's health, but the health of the environment as well.
So, I have one question for you... how healthy is your car?
Tonight's post continues that thought process by encouraging the parent to further their thinking by considering the health of their car.
This post stems from my recent car buying experience.
I found it fascinating that a salesperson can tell me all about the engine's environmental features and gadgets, but yet they remain clueless when it comes to the safety of the interior.
I'm not talking about the side safety curtain or front/side airbags.
I'm talking about the fabric, the dash, etc.
Lately, I've been really concerned about VOCs and their effect on my family which is why buying a new car has been more of a chore than the pleasant experience it should be.
However, I'm incredibly grateful that I have assistance when it comes to selecting the healthiest car for us.
HealthyCar.org is a great place for a concerned citizen, like me, to investigate the amount of toxic chemicals within a car's interior space.
Why you need HealthyCar.org?
Everyone knows that cars are a major source of air pollution. But most people don't know that it isn't only what comes out of tailpipes that's the problem, but what's inside cars as well. "New car smell" for example, comes from toxic chemicals being released from plastics, foams and fabrics used to make steering wheels, dashboards and seats.
These chemicals are inhaled or ingested by drivers and passengers through dust and air, potentially causing allergic or other acute reactions or even long-term health impacts such as birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity and cancer. Since the average American spends more than 1.5 hours in a car every day, toxic chemical exposure inside vehicles is becoming a major source of potential indoor air pollution.
The good news is that some cars and car seats are better than others. Toxic chemicals are not required to make indoor auto parts or cars seats, and some manufacturers have begun to phase them out. HealthyCar.org tested approximately 450 of the most popular vehicle models in the U.S. from 2006-2009. In each vehicle, 11 different components were sampled including: steering wheel, shift knob, armrest/center console, dashboard, headliner, carpet, seat front, seat back, seat base, hard door-trim and soft door-trim. Chemicals tested that are of primary concern include bromine (associated with brominated flame retardants); chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC and plasticizers); lead; and heavy-metal allergens.
HealthyCar.org has also tested over 130 popular 2007-2008 child car seats for the same chemicals. The major components of the car seats were tested, including the seat cushion, foam backing, seat base, seat belt clip and sun shade (when available).
There are many reasons why I care about my potential new car's toxicity, but one reason prevails above all others.
I want what's best for my family which means I will sacrifice my Over-40 sexy factor if it keeps my family healthy. {wink}
My hub was looking at the mini vans, and I told him that there are still some things I'm not willing to sacrifice. He is more than welcome to pass the trousers my way and wear the panties in our happy clan. He can also drive himself into MV eutopia, for all I care. I just ain't joinin' him! {wink} (No disrespect to those of you who actually enjoy cruisin' in your MVs.)
Not knowing toxicity levels, the following vehicles made it to the finals based on our criteria: affordability, fuel efficiency, safety, resale value, interior space (read as room to grow) and, more importantly, interior toxicity levels.
I'm sure it will come as no surprise to you that the Prius is the healthier car of the three. Of course, the interior is still comprised of suspect chemicals like Arsenic and Cobalt, but the levels are extremely low. I guess someone needs to explain to me why they are even present, but I guess I'll save that for another post.
Did I want a really cute car? Yes!
Did I want a really fast car? Yes!
Did I want an eco friendly car? Heck yes!
I'm thinkin' a Prius will actually up my sexy factor because it'll show that I am one eco-conscious mama who cares a lot about not only her family's health, but the health of the environment as well.
So, I have one question for you... how healthy is your car?