Constipation Archives

asthmatic reaction to new car

I have a Honda now 1 year old. I also have asthma, which is under control with 2 drugs. I still get an asthmatic reaction when I get in the car for more than 5 minutes. My chest tightens, my head becomes slightly dizzy and I become slightly breathless. A puff of Bricanyl may not make the symptoms go away. They almost always go away after 10-15 minutes of fresh air, outside the car. Is this a reaction to the plastics in the car, or am I just self-inducing it?
Does anyone else have this problem?

Follow Ups:

• Re: asthmatic reaction to new car VF 06:08:34 6/23/02 (0)
• Re: asthmatic reaction to new car (Archive in MCS.) Walt Stoll 09:21:39 6/19/02 (0)
• Re: asthmatic reaction to new car Nutmeg 23:33:53 6/18/02 (0)
• Re: asthmatic reaction to new car Daisy 21:54:44 6/18/02 (0)

In Reply to: asthmatic reaction to new car posted by brian j on June 18, 2002 at 19:59:04:

I have heard of people getting nauseous from the smell coming off the dash on a new car. Specifically, I've had friends experience this with the new Volkswagen Beetles. I think that the materials used in the car off-gas and some people are particularly sensitive. Perhaps it's a similar experience for you with your car, except of course that the material aggravates your asthma.
Take care,
Daisy

In Reply to: asthmatic reaction to new car posted by brian j on June 18, 2002 at 19:59:04:

A friend of mine bought a new car and had a problem with the chemical off-gassing. She has multiple chemical sensitivity, not asthma. To take care of the problem, she put an electronic ionizer-type air filter inside the car and ran it for about 2-3 days, I think, with all the windows rolled up. If you don't have an ionizer, maybe you could rent or borrow one for a few days to see if it helps.

In Reply to: asthmatic reaction to new car posted by brian j on June 18, 2002 at 19:59:04:

Hi, Brian J.

This is not your imagination. Recent research has reported literally hundreds of toxic chemicals that make up that "new car smell".

Listen to Nutmeg & Daisy.

You may have to only buy used cars from now on. In the meantine, you need to learn a lot more about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) since this will undoubtedly expand. See the archives and start wellness to give you more time to deal with it.

Walt

In Reply to: asthmatic reaction to new car posted by brian j on June 18, 2002 at 19:59:04:

Wonder if your car is in the shade a lot. Parking it in the
sun with the windows open should speed up the reduction of
the odors. Cleaing the whole interior of the car often might
speed up the process. Best to use cleaners that don't have
an odor or perfume. I use Murphy's Oil Soap mixed with
dish detergent to clean with and sometimes add borax or
washing soda for a better cleaner.

The soaps do have odors that may not be that pleasant but
rinsing well will get rid of those and geting the oils or
chemicals out of the car materials or baking them should
speed up the process.

VF