During allergy season, the same avoidance techniques that apply to your home, should also apply to your car. When you close your windows and turn on the air conditioner), make sure you are circulating clean, not contaminated air.

Avoidance Techniques
If your allergy symptoms are triggered every time you are in your car, or when the AC is turned on in the car, you may need to take some action to reduce the allergens and irritants in your car.

? Check under the hood of your car. If it is full of dirt and grime, clean it because it is a harboring place for all sorts of allergens or irritants.
? If your car has an air-filtration system, be sure to replace the filter.
? Dust and vacuum the inside of your car on a regular basis. The seats and upholstery can harbor pollen, dust mites, insect parts, pet dander and molds.
? When running the air conditioner, be sure you are circulating the air inside the car rather than pulling the air in from the outside.
? Before you leave the car, turn off the AC, but keep the blower running for a short time to dry out the vents and prevent moisture collection.
? If necessary, call EnviroFix to rid your air conditioner of molds and unpleasant odors.

Research Results
Several studies have been conducted on car allergens and irritants. One study conducted in 1997 by Robert Simmons, a microbiologist, confirmed that fungi were present in AC units in all cars, especially in cars from the Southeast. His study was entitled “Colonization of Automobile Air Conditioning Systems”.
A study in the April 2002 issue of “Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology” reveals the AC is not the only haven for allergens in a vehicle. The study found that the driver’s car seat harbored dog and cat allergens. This was even the case for non-pet owners. The allergens were transferred to the car seat from the clothing of the driver.

2012