20 ways your car makes you sick, warn experts

The dangers hide behind each corner inside your vehicle. Here's how to make your way healthier.


Although you do it every day, jump in your car can be exciting outright. It is your personal karaoke cabin, the best place to pair your favorite podcast and a comfortable space to be alone with your thoughts - or near the FAM, as you see the world.

Your car could also be dangerous for your health.

Between traffic, mold, exhaust fumes and session hours, your daily car home can take its toll (and we do not want to say on the highway). Continue reading to discover the potential threats.Read more information and to ensure your health and health of others, do not miss theseSure sign that you have "Long" Covid and may even know.

1

These are essentially wheeled bacteria

A man cleaning car interior, car detailing
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Most surfaces, including public toilet doors, telephone screens and kitchen counters, have a small amount of fecal matter and other dangerous bacteria. These areas are considered "Touch points", which means that hands often touch them and spread these bad germs.

Your car is full of thousands of touchpoints - the gear offset, door handle, steering wheel, radio buttons. All these Touch points are also sensitive to dangerous bacteria and germs, including fecal matter, which may have e. Coli or salmonella. Factor in the crumbs of snacks you mix in your car from time to time and add particles of food to decomposition, which creates a breeding ground for this bacterium.

According to a study conducted byTallThere is an average of 700 bacteria bacteria strains throughout the interior of your car. The average steering wheel is about 629 units forming a colony (CFU) per square centimeter, which makes it four times more dirty than a public toilet seat. If you touch the steering wheel, eat food, mournz your nails or wipe your nose, you only extend it and expose yourself to a potential disease.

Recommendation: Clean your car after each road trip and once every week. Use a cleanser with antibacterial properties and wipe all tactile points thoroughly, including the dashboard and buttons. Keep disinfectant wipes in your car to use after eating.

2

There are mold in your wind A / C

Air conditioner in car
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The air conditioning mouths in your car are responsible for the blowing of cold or hot air to keep the temperature inside the comfortable car. More than probably, they are directed to your face so that you can capitalize on comfort. But you may be blocking mold spores. If your winds A / C or the components behind them get a little wet, the mold can grow, which is easily carried away by the airflow and distributed in the cab of your car. TheCenters for Disaster Control and Prevention Warns that constant mold exposure can cause coughing and wheezing, as well as irritation of the throat and eyes.

According toKelley Blue Book, If you feel the mold when you turn on your A / C, it is likely that your evaporator core increases this mold. This component is hidden behind your A / C winds in your dashboard, making it difficult for access. But it is important to take out the mold so you do not like disease and irritation.

Recommendation: Run your A / C blower without the vents for about 10 minutes periodically. This will help dry your core and evaporator. If the smell of mold persists, ask a mechanic or retailer from your car to remove your A / C vents and clean them. The professional must also access your evaporator core and clean and treat it for the mold.

3

It makes you depressed

Sad woman or teenager girl looking through a steamy car window
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Your ride can contribute to reduced pressure of happiness in your daily life. A study of theBritish office of national statistics concluded that commuters generally have:

  • A weaker feeling than their daily activities are worth it.
  • Satisfaction of lower life.
  • Levels of happiness lower.
  • Higher anxiety.

The duration of the journey also had a direct impact on the happiness of a person. The same study revealed that the levels of anxiety rolled and the levels of happiness fell, even after the first 15 minutes in a trip. The commuters who had to bear daily driving time from 61 to 90 minutes showed the most dramatic negative effects on levels of happiness. Chronic misfortune can lead to depression, which can be responsible for a host of other health problems, such as changes in appetite and weight or difficulty sleeping.

Recommendation: If there is no way to travel, try to have fun. Choose a podcast (try the hilariousHow was it done?Or listen to optimistic music during the player. Take the panoramic road if it means less traffic and stress for your return home. Ask colleagues or carpool friends so that you can do a social experience.

RELATED: 9 daily habits that could lead to dementia, say experts

4

You are sitting too long

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You are sitting on your car to work, you sit in your office for eight o'clock, you are sitting in traffic on your traffic at home, then you sit for dinner and catch upSuccession before going to bed. All this session could kill you. On aStudy published in DiabetologiaMost sedentary people had a probability of early death from 22 to 49%, mainly because of their increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Sitting too and attractive in a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes of 112% and your risk of heart disease of 147%.

Recommendation: Remember to cycle or walk to work, if possible. If you have to drive and you have office work, make sure you get up, stretching and walking for a few minutes every 30 minutes throughout your day.

5

You are exposed to dangerous cleaners

woman washing her car with sponge
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If you are obsessed with a brilliant car, you are not alone. According toSearch Dun & BradstreetIn the United States alone, there are 16,000 car washing establishments that earn a total annual turnover of $ 9 billion. Whether you prefer to wash your car yourself or if you take it to a local car washing, the cleansers used inside are important.

When sitting in your car, you touch these cleaned surfaces and you also breathe airborne chemicals from the cleaners used. These cleaners may contain hard chemicals, including:

  • Butoxyethanol. This contaminant can be found in some window cleaners and can cause an irritated throat. In severe cases, this can increase your risk of damage to kidney or liver.
  • Perchlorethylene (PERC). Especially found in the padding cleaners, this chemical is classified by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "possible carcinogen".
  • Phthalates. Air sanitizers may contain phthalates and exposure to these chemicals may cause endocrine disturbances. A 2003 study conducted by theCDC found that men with higher phthalate compounds in their blood had lower sperm accounts.

Recommendation: If you clean your car yourself, opt for all natural cleaners. After cleaning your vehicle, head with the showcases so that you can ventilate the chemicals from the inside. If you take your car to a professional car washing service, ask to see the ingredients of their cleaners. Ask all natural cleaners or ask workers to jump with these cleaners.

6

Speaking of chemicals, this "new car smell" is toxic

Car air freshener on dashboard
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If you are like a lot, you are in love with this "new car smell". There are even car air sanitizers who try to imitate this aroma so that you can feel like your car came directly from the dealer. But the chemicals that make up this new car smell are actually dangerous and can make you sick.

A study conducted by theEcology centerAnalyzed air quality in more than 200 new cars. There were more than 275 chemicals present in these cars, mainly because of the new materials used for the manufacture of the interior of the vehicle. Some of the most toxic chemicals found were leaders of lead, chromium and flame flame (BFRS). These chemicals are linked to liver, cancer, birth defects and altered learning.

Recommendation: Keep your windows deployed as much as possible for the first weeks after your new car. You can also buy a small portable air purifier that attaches to your A / C ventilation to help ventilation. Do not use the air circulation option on your A / C until a new smell of the car.

RELATED: Reason # 1 that you could have cancer, according to science

7

You will make choices of unhealthy drinks

Man is dangerously eating junk food and cold drink while driving his car
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Road trips generally mean snacks and drinks. And a long expanse of the highway can make you tired enough, so it is not surprising that you are immediately attracted by a sweet and sweet cola when you stop stretching your legs and catching a bite. But if you opt for this soda of 32 ounces, you could make you sick.

According to a study published inTraffic, American Heart Association, the consumption of sodas and sports drinks is associated with a greater risk of death of heart disease, especially among women. The sweeter drinks you consume a day, the higher the risk.

Recommendation: Obviously, the good old H2O is your best choice to moisturize while driving. But if you drag and need a pick-me-up for Chug, go to unsweetened tea.

8

You get a dick of movement

Car Sick Woman Having Motion Sickness Symptoms
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According toNational Library of the United StatesAbout 1 out of 3 people are very sensitive to transportation pain. This condition occurs when you encounter frequent movements. The central nervous system receives contradictory information from the sensors of the body. When this happens, you can feel nauseating, agitated, sleepy or dizzy. Travel walks and amusement park can be triggers for motion disease. Car passengers are at the highest risk of transport disease, but drivers can also experiment with this condition during travel.

Recommendation: Chewing gum and the kickoff on the horizon are known means of fighting motion evil. If you are a passenger, you can also try to keep your eyes closed while traveling or naps. There are also many supply requirements or drugs to reduce the symptoms of transport disease.

9

You get a hip pain and leg

woman stratching near car on sunrise long car trip
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The hip and leg pain for a long trip is common and may be due to irritation of the sciatic nerve. This can cause pain and numbness in the buttocks and leg and can be caused by a sitting position in a position too long.

According toDr. William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRThe nerves of the Sciatica come out of the pelvic bone and reign in the area of ​​the buttocks, then travel in the thigh and make their way away to the foot. Drive and sit too long causes pressure on the nerve just below your buttocks.

Recommendation: If you embark on a long trip on the road, be ready to take frequent breaks. Pull around around and take the time to stretch and walk you for a few minutes before returning again. Adjust your seat to a comfortable position that attenuates the pressure as much as possible.

10

You breathe in the exhaust fumes

Blurred silhouettes of cars surrounded by steam from the exhaust pipes. Traffic jam
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According toCDCThe carbon monoxide is released in the air any time fuel is burned in cars, trucks, small engines and household appliances. The car exhaust fumes give off carbon monoxide, so it is perfectly normal to breathe in a bit of CO2 during your day. However, if you are stuck in the traffic for a moment or you spend a lot of your time driving, you can be sensitive to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you had too much inhalation of carbon monoxide, you can experiment:

  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • A dull headache.
  • Dizziness.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Confusion.
  • Weakness.

If you continue to inhale this toxin in large quantities, you can even lose consciousness and without treatment, you can die. In most cases, you are safe from the extremes of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it is important to know how long you spend on the road.

Recommendation: Never turn the engine of your car in a closed space, such as your garage. If you are stuck in the motorway, keep your windows wrapped so that you do not breathe in the vapors of other cars. Keep your car's exhaust system that works properly and make it regularly check with a mechanic.

11

You earn weight too much

Man eating an hamburger while driving car
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If you are an experienced driver on a route, you took a period of zillion, the task can be of poor quality and soothing. Since driving often becomes a second nature, it's easy to get out of your environment and leave instinct take over. If you have a meal or snack with you on your player, it is also easy to continue eating until you are completely stuffed and miserable.

An increase in the number of calories you consume every day can significantly affect your weight. According toDr. Barry Popkin, Ph.D., from the University of Carolina of North Chapel Hill, "the real reason we seem to eat more (calories) is to eat often. The frequency of eating is probably, for adult overweight average, becoming a huge problem . "

Eating driving is a certain way to ingest more calories than necessary in a day. And according to theNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Renal Diseases, excess weight increases your risk of developing many chronic conditions, including:

  • Cardiopathy.
  • Cerebral accident.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Sleep Apnea.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Type 2 diabetes.

Recommendation: Do not eat in your car a habit. If you need to descend a meal while driving, go on what you are going to eat before entering your car to prevent you from overeating safely.

RELATED: Cause No. 1 of obesity, according to science

12

You have a dirty cabin air filter

Replacing the cabin air filter
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It's easy to forget about changing or cleaning your cabin air filter because it does not really affect the functionality of your car. But if you do not pay attention to this necessary maintenance task, it can make you sick. Your cabin air filter is important because it keeps debris like leaves, rodent drops and bugs to enter the CVC system of your car. The air filter also prevents dust, dirt, pollen and other contaminants to enter the cab of your vehicle and enter your lungs.

A dirty cabin air filter allows these toxins to slide aside and if you or your family members already have allergies or respiratory problems, they may be these symptoms in the car. With a poor powerful cabin air filter, you can experience a sore throat or stuffy nose.

Recommendation: According toCarfaxYou must replace your cabin air filter once a year. February is usually a good month for replacement because it's just before the start of the allergy season.

13

Driving does zap your energy level

tired woman driver
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Travel can be exhausting and driving without exception. You can feel even more tired after a long conduct than any other type of trip, because you are responsible for navigation and your destination safely. From the moment you sit behind the steering wheel, your brain is focused on your environment, using your reflexes and knowledge to perform the driving function. Although you feel as if you sit there, your brain is really busy.

If you drive with poor posture, the evacuation of your energy level can be even more dramatic. According toSherry Brourman, PTA bad posture puts pressure on your back and hips, which can make you feel tired and bad after driving.

Recommendation: To combat this energy plunge after your trip, make sure you have a lot of sleep and stay hydrated. TheMedical institute (IOM) recommends that men drink at least 13 cups of water each day and women drink at least nine cups. TheSleeping background Recommends that adults aged 26 to 64 have seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If you take off for a long trip on the road, take breaks every few hours for a quick walk so that your mind can get a break from the intensity of driving.

RELATED:Daily habits that age faster, according to science

14

You are more likely to make bad food choices

Fast food worker handing customer McDonald's ice cream sundae from drive thru
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We already know how important the healthy eating is but to be on the road can make it difficult to make good food choices. If you are on a long trip on the road and you need a quick meal or snack, you'll have chances that you will stop from a fast food or gas station to catch Something. There are not many healthy food choices available at these locations, so you could find yourself with something that is rich in calories and fat, but weak on nutrition.

These "empty calories" foods do not make you farther away. Sugar-rich snacks are also addictive and you will probably avoid something sweet in a few hours. According toHealth CarePoint, the most notorious food "empty calories" are:

  • Cookies.
  • Cakes.
  • Donuts.
  • Chips.
  • Fried food.
  • Processed meats.
  • High fat dairy products.

The more practical treats you stick to these practical treats, the more you are likely to gain weight, which allows you to increase a risk of cardiac disease and diabetes.

Recommendation: If you go for a long trip and you know you'll be hungry, make a cooler with healthy snacks. Consider you packing carrots, dried fruits or apples to stick during your workout. If the packaging of food is not an option, do your research and find healthy places to stop and eat your itinerary.

15

Your seat is not properly adjusted

driver having back pain
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According to Dr. Ginger Edgecombe Dorsey, Ph.D., theAnimal Health and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA (Aphis), you can deal with chronic pain in your neck, head, arms and shoulders if the seat of your driver is not adjusted correctly. Whether you understand only 20 minutes drive every day or you are about to take a trip on the road of several days, the right seat adjustments are relevant to your health and well-being. The seat posture, its height, and the closing of the pedals will determine whether or not you feel pain by driving and beyond.

Recommendation: TheMedical Session GuideRecommends you to adjust the back of the seat, then from its height. You should be able to see and sit comfortably without leaning forward. Then adjust the seat forward or back until your feet comfortably reach the pedals without scooter or effort. The turn in your knees should only be about 20 to 30 degrees. You may need to continue adjusting your seat after testing it on a reader until you feel comfortable.

16

You're getting bigger

driver having back pain
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Driving can be frightening. You control nearly two tons of steel and your actions directly affect the safety of your passengers and other drivers on the road. When driving, you are constantly taking decisions split according to your environment, your knowledge and past experience. If you are already subject to anxiety, it can be easy to develop a chronic driving anxiety.

According toTed Moreno, certified hypnotherapistThe symptoms of driving anxiety may include:

  • Heart palpitations.
  • Sweat.
  • Sweaty hands.
  • Disorientation.
  • Confusion.
  • Dizziness.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Shortness of breath.

If you encounter a driving anxiety, it can have a negative impact on your health, even when you are not behind the steering wheel. Anxiety can increase your risk of depression, reduce your libido and causing panic attacks. This can also cause muscle pain and irritability.

Recommendation: Cut on caffeine or other anxiety triggers before getting behind the steering wheel. Plan your itinerary for you to know what to expect and try carpooling. Sometimes having a business and a conversation while driving can reduce your levels of anxiety. If your driving anxiety is severe, you may need to seek professional treatment for a counselor or psychiatrist.

17

Airborne contaminants enter your wind A / C

Driver hand tuning air ventilation grille, fresh air is coming out
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If you do not use the air recirculation function on the A / C of your car, you may expose yourself to outdoor contaminants. While your car has a cabin air filter designed to remove odors and toxins from the air before entering your cabin, the filter will never be able to stop 100% of these contaminants.

If you are in the traffic, you can be exposed to cars vapors near you through your A / C winds. You can also be able to feel cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants of your car. If you are sensitive to these odors, you can feel allergy symptoms, such as cough, sore throat or headache.

Recommendation: The button near your A / C controls resembling a recycling sign is your recirculation option. Use this function to continue recirculating the air in your cabin. Not only will it help cool or heat your indoor air quickly, it will also stay outside contaminants to enter. The only time you will need to turn off the recirculation option, this is if your Windows starts to scramble. In this case, you will need to turn on your defrost function and recirculation of ditch until your windows are clear.

18

It steals your exercise time

fit woman in gym
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A long daily can be a real time suck. If you spend a lot of time in the car, your sitting marathon does not do good for your health. You can feel that you do not have as much time devoting to healthy habits that you have used, such as daily exercise. Trading these good habits spent sitting in the car can be more prejudicial than you think.

If you feel like you do not have time to exercise because of a long journey, you put your brain and mental health at risk. According toDr. John Treatey, M.D., Harvard Medical School, "several brain cells are activated when we exercise when we do something else." If you give up your drive routine, your memory and your ability to concentrate are negatively affected. Research published in theNew England Journal of Medicine Suggest your mood collapses and you are more likely to become depressed if you exercise your job.

Recommendation: The only way to avoid the negative effects on the health of a sedentary lifestyle is to add exercise in your schedule. You may need to train in the morning or lunch break to make sure you get your perspiration. Try to combine exercise with other tasks, if possible. You can walk to the grocery store or perform plyometric exercises, such as pumps and situages, during commercial breaks when watching TV at night.

19

You meet a rage on the road

male driver shouts and gestures threateningly
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The way you react to emergency traffic or cutting yourself by another driver can directly affect your health. If you frequently encounter the rage of the road and you are frustrated as you drive, it can do more than you put in a bad mood. When you get angry on the road, your blood pressure and heart rate increase.

A study conducted by theUniversity of the Sunshine Coast I found that dealing with coherent road stressors does not just constitute your blood pressure in the moment, it can continue to have a negative effect on your body over the next six years. And arterial hypertension is one of the greatest risk factors for cardiac diseases. Another study published in theAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine Discovered that the longer the work of a person is, the more likely it is to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure.

Recommendation: Keep yourself alone while driving by taking deep breaths and being attentive from others on the road. Running late can make you feel more stressed, so give yourself a lot of time to get to your destination and check the traffic reports so you know what to expect.

20

You can get blood clots on a long trip

Fitness woman runner stretching legs
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The blood clots, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are more inclined to grow when sitting in a confined space for a long time. There is a direct link between blood clots and travels, so you should be careful of long car rides. According toCDCThe plus you stay sedentary and confined to a zone, the better your risk of developing a blood clot is large.

In most cases, blood clots are dissipated by themselves, but in rare cases, part of the clot can come off and move on the lungs, causing a blockage. This dangerous condition is called a pulmonary embolism and can be fatal if it is not treated immediately. If you have more than 40 years, obese, you have had a recent surgery or have a history of blood clots, your risks are much higher for developing blood clots.

Recommendation: On your next long trip on the road, stop at least once every few hours to stretch your legs for a few minutes. Fleep your feet and frequently engage your calf muscles. If you are at high risk of blood clots, talk to your doctor next trips. It can recommend wearing low compression for the trip and can also advise you to stop taking certain medications that can increase your risk of blood clots.And to cross the healthiest life, do not miss theseFirst signs you have a serious illness.


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