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    The Old Grey Whistle Test togwt's Avatar
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    Allergen [: any substance that can cause an allergy or that is capable of stimulating hypersensitivity] i.e. smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOC) from vehicles interior materials and organic odours



    Germs [: a micro-organism (infectious agent) especially a pathogen] i.e. bacteria and other bio-pollutants.



    Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a sterilization method that uses short wavelength ultraviolet (UV) light at to break down microorganisms. The application of UVGI to sterilization has been an accepted practice since the mid-20th century. It has been used primarily in medical sanitation and sterile work facilities. [1]



    Photo catalysis [: catalysis is the process where a substance participates in modifying the rate of a chemical transformation of reactants without being altered or consumed] A catalyst increases the rate of a reaction by reducing the activation energy.





    Odour Elimination



    It amazes me that even professionals still think they can eliminate odours by shampooing the interior, and spraying a deodorizer. Nothing is farther from the truth, technically, an odour is an invisible gas, and so it can permeate any material or crevice. Many odours are caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, mould, and mildew. Not only does shampooing not eradicate these odours, it spreads them over a much wider area



    You eliminate odour-causing organisms with very specialized chemicals. Look for stains, if there are no stains, use the process of elimination; it is very effective when searching for the source of an odour; floor or seats (including foam underneath) mats or carpet? If the vehicle has velour upholstery, a spill can penetrate on contact. If it is vinyl or leather, it will run to the deepest seam. Pay special attention to the headliner and all glass surfaces (especially true of smoke odour)



    Many odours are caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, mould, and mildew. First start by cleaning all the interior surfaces; but remember shampooing alone will not eradicate these odours. You eliminate odour-causing organisms with very specialized chemicals.



    Look for stains, if there are no stains, use the process of elimination; it is very effective when searching for the source of an odour; floor or seats, mats or carpet? If the vehicle has velour upholstery, a spill can penetrate on contact. If it is vinyl or leather, it will run to the deepest seam. Pay special attention to the headliner and all glass surfaces (especially smoke odour)




    Allergen and Odour Elimination



    It amazes me that even professionals still think they can eliminate odours by shampooing the interior, and spraying a deodorizer. Nothing is farther from the truth, technically, an odour is an invisible gas, and so it can permeate any material or crevice. Many odours are caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, mould, and mildew. Not only does shampooing not eradicate these odours, it spreads them over a much wider area



    You eliminate odour and allergen causing organisms with very specialized chemicals. Look for stains, if there are no stains, use the process of elimination; it is very effective when searching for the source.of an odour; floor or seats (including foam underneath) mats or carpet? If the vehicle has velour upholstery, a spill can penetrate on contact. If it is vinyl or leather, it will run to the deepest seam. Pay special attention to the headliner and all glass surfaces



    The most important aspect of removing as opposed to using a product that will cover it, only for the odour to return later on, or at the very least mitigating an offensive door is that you must find and remove its origin. Don’t be fooled by the claims of odour removal products; if it doesn’t have a cleaning agent in it, you’re not going to get rid of the odour.



    If you thoroughly clean the interior and it still smells you have not removed the source that is generating the odour. You can use steam / extractor, scrub, and vacuum etc but if you do not remove the origin the odour will remain. Replace the cabin air filter (if fitted) as it will retain the smoke and bacteria micro-organisms




    New Car Smell



    Is the common term for the odour that comes from the combination of materials used and out gassing of vinyl plasticisers, and various adhesives (including those used on finished leather) that are found in new automobiles Many health care professionals regard the volatile chemical compounds pose a health risk in such a confined area.



    The new-car smell emanates largely from chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that leach from glues, paints, vinyls and plastics in the passenger compartment. The fumes can trigger headaches, sore throats, nausea and drowsiness. Prolonged exposure to some of the chemicals can lead to cancer, though there`s no evidence linking that to concentrations in cars.



    To help dissipate the release of chemicals in a new car, heated ventilation air (ac system plus heat) turn on the ac system combined with heat. Raising the interior temperatures cause chemicals to be released into the air. Ventilation makes sure the chemicals move out of the car before they are reabsorbed. Then open windows wide and air the car thoroughly. After airing, clean all surfaces with the DrivePur system



    Critics liken the problem to so-called sick-building syndrome, which traces some illnesses to similar agents seeping from the walls, carpets and fixtures of new buildings. Automobiles never completely gas off. Air filters combining HEPA filters and activated charcoal made especially for automobiles can help reduce exposure to ongoing interior chemical emissions.



    Some of the chemicals most strongly associated with harmful human health impacts: bromine (from brominated flame retardants), chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and plasticizers), lead, and other heavy metals these chemicals have been linked to health problems including allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer.



    They are not the only harmful chemicals found in cars.




    The presence of bacteria and mould in vehicle interiors



    The presence of bacteria and mould in vehicle interiorsDr. Charles P. Gerba and Sheri L. Maxwell set out to test the presence of bacteria and mould in vehicle interiors. There were 100 vehicles involved in the test in the states of Illinois, Arizona, Florida, California and Washington, D.C., to provide a good cross-section of climatic conditions across the country.



    The following lists some of the results of their testing’s.



    Most germs present:



    1. Radio knob

    2. Seat belt

    3. Window opener

    4. Steering wheel

    5. Car seat




    Places with most Staphylococcus aureus (most common form of Staph infections):



    1. Steering wheel

    2. Seat belt

    3. Cup holder

    4. Dash board

    5. Window opener




    Most mould spores:



    1. Cup holder

    2. Food spills

    3. Change holder

    4. Dash board

    5. Steering wheel




    Cities with the most bacteria in vehicles (from a select sample):



    1. Tucson, AZ

    2. Oakland/Pleasanton, CA

    3. Chicago

    4. Washington, D.C.

    5. Tampa, FL




    OdourNeutralizer / Deodorizing



    Many odours are caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, mould, and mildew. First start by cleaning all the interior surfaces; but remember shampooing alone will not eradicate these odours. You eliminate dour-causing organisms with very specialized chemicals.*



    Look for stains, if there are no stains, use the process of elimination; it is very effective when searching for the source of an odour; floor or seats, mats or carpet? If the vehicle has velour upholstery, a spill can penetrate on contact. If it is vinyl or leather, it will run to the deepest seam. Pay special attention to the headliner and all glass surfaces




    Counteractants



    Most of these products (i.e. Fabreeze) do not eliminate germs or allergens they merely provide a cover-up scent to mask odours



    Cabin Air Filter - we all know the problem. The fans blow in everything that belongs outside; gaseous pollutants like ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, as well as dust, soot and pollen all have free access to the vehicle. Cabin filters, on the other hand, clean the incoming airflow before they reach the vehicle`s interior, thus guaranteeing healthy fresh airCabin air filters first appeared back in the mid-1980s on Audi and other European makes. Today, about 80 percent of all new import and domestic vehicles have a cabin air filter. They absorb up to 100% of all pollen, dust particles and harmful substances.



    This results in a noticeable improvement in the air quality inside the vehicle. Cabin filters are generally found in one of three locations: under the hood, inside the glove box or under the dashboard.*The filter can trap pollen, dust, smoke and other pollutants that would otherwise enter the vehicle through the outside vents causing allergy and discomfort due to undesirable smells.The recommended replacement interval for a cabin air filter depends on the type of filter being replaced. (Carbon or paper) and the cabins filter exposure to the environment and mileage driven.Most vehicle manufacturers do recommend replacing a paper or carbon activated filter once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles to keep the cabin filter working at its highest efficiency.



    Check vehicle owner’s manual for locationActivated charcoal cabin filters. These filters have an extra layer of activated carbon that reacts with odours and other airborne pollutants to neutralize them before they enter the vehicle. The charcoal activated filters will also reduce the levels of CO2 (carbon monoxide) and NO2 (oxides of nitrogen) from the emissions of other vehicles on the road.*Bosch Cabin Filters - and charcoal activated filters absorb up to 100% of all pollen, dust particles and harmful substances. Cabin Filter recommended replacement is every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or once a year will keep the cabin filter working at its highest efficiency



    A little ‘light’ Cleaning



    A new technology developed by University of Tokyo professor Fujishima Akira is attracting a lot of attention. Fujishima uses photo catalysts and irradiation to break down chemicals. In addition to helping make anti-bacterial tile and air-purification devices, other promising applications of this photo catalyst technology continue to come to light.*



    The Nano Titanium dioxide (Tio2) photo catalytic decomposition process only requires ultra violet (UV-A) radiation. As a characteristic of titanium dioxide, it starts to produce friendly oxidizers en mass when exposed to ultraviolet rays of 400nm range or lower. It is more affected by the intensity of ultraviolet rays rather than the intensity of light itself.

    *

    However, any air pollution that comes in contact with a treated surface will become oxidized to create hydroxyl radicals, which will oxidize organic materials directly, thereby sterilizing and deodorizing germs and allergens for long-lasting effects and anti-soiling purposes. Generally speaking, disinfections by titanium oxides are three times stronger than chlorination, and 1.5 times stronger than ozone treatment.



    This type of coating transforms any surface into anti-bacterial; anti-fungal; mold free surface, purifying the surrounding air and provides protection from environmental contamination. Whether they are disturbing allergens, toxic fumes, bad odor, lingering tobacco smell, Nano Titanium dioxide does not just simply destroy them but totally decomposes their microscopic remnants into harmless gas and water vapor.



    The film will decompose all kinds or micro-organic matters, like bacteria, viruses, mold, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia, volatile organic compound (VOC) tough odors etc and have been proven to combat Bird Flu and SARS infections in high risk areas like Hospitals and Medical treatment facilities.



    • Changes the chemistry of tar and nicotine as well as working on high pH odours



    • Antibacterial odour neutralizers for low pH odours



    • Tio2 - "The insurance policy that the odour will not return.




    Item < Recommended - Reduced to



    Fine Dust 100 ug/m2 - 33.2ug/m2

    CO2 1000 ppm - 666.2 ppm

    Formaldehyde 100 ug/m2 - / 11.4ug/m2

    CO 10 ppm - 0.6 ppm

    Microbe (air) 800 CFU/m2 - 360 CFU/m2

    NO2 0.05 ppm - 0.036 ppm

    VOC 400 ug/m2 - 180.4 ug/m2

    Asbestos 0.01 ea/cc - 0.0008 ea/cc

    Ozone 0.06 ppm - 0.029 ppm

    Radon Gas 4.0pCI/I - 1.2 OpC1/1




    Source: Aquartz website. The above information has been provided by the Manufacturer and TOGWT has not verified it and therefore cannot guarantee its accuracy.






    DrivePur



    Using the latest in photo catalytic technology DrivePur can quickly and effectively remove pet odors, smoke odors, food odors, germs, bacteria, mold, mildew, stains and other contaminants from the interior. Symptom that occurs from prolonged exposure to microbes that grow in automobile interiors, the presence of the microbes causes similar reactions as sick building syndrome. Some of the examples of odour molecules are: tobacco odor, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, urine odor, gasoline, and many other hydrocarbon molecules in the atmosphere.



    A high pressure atomizing spray is the only application method I’d recommend for proper application. Using specialized spray-coating equipments (Tornador or spray gun) a fine mist < 5 of a water-based Ti02 photo catalyst that can be applied on different types of surface material that forms a nano structure of protection and guarantees the maximum result.




    Products



    In-car surface and air pollution has become a major health issue worldwide, causing respiratory diseases, allergies, and other serious illnesses that hamper productivity and jeopardize their lives. And yet, few people have looked closely at the problem and invented something to overcome it.

    Tio2 needs ultra violet light sunlight, airflow and humidity; treating a car with only Tio2 (a UV-PCO product) could take weeks to remove all the odors.




    Drivepur is a system

    • Smoke and high Ph odours

    • Disinfection and Organic type low Ph odours

    • UV-PCO surface coating that will continue to break down the germs, bacteria`s and odors for 6 months or more.


    Products



    In-car surface and air pollution has become a major health issue worldwide, causing respiratory diseases, allergies, and other serious illnesses that hamper productivity and jeopardize their lives. And yet, few people have looked closely at the problem and invented something to overcome it.



    Smok- is very effective at eliminating cigarette and other odors. It has the ability to penetrate, seek out and react with the components of tobacco smoke (tar and nicotine) dissolving and converting them into gaseous molecules without causing any damage to fabrics, materials or hard surfaces.



    Shok- is a Germ, Bacteria and Odor Neutralizer that makes eliminating them from automobiles, boats and RV’s a simple task. Eliminate odors caused by cigarette and cigar smoke, spilled beverages, mold and mildew, pets, kids, food, fish, and just about anything else you can imagine...



    Prevnt - uses Ultraviolet Photocatalic Oxidation (UV-PCO) that will continue to keep odors germs and bacteria out of the vehicle for up to 6 months. A smoker can continue to smoke in the car - within 15 minutes the new odors are broken down. Once treated the vehicle needs UV radiation (sunlight) airflow and humidity to break down the contaminants.



    Klenz- is a Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner comprised of non-ionic surfactants and a water hardness modifier to create a powerful micelle cleaning action that can tolerate tremendous soil loads. Klenz penetrates and lifts hydrocarbon soils, including fats, oils, greases, proteins and sugars without damaging carpeting fibers or upholstery fabrics





    a) PŪRWorld is a spray application deodorizing product (not a cover-up scent); hydroxyl radicals are among the strongest oxidizing species, even much stronger than chlorine, ozone, and peroxide. They act as very powerful disinfecting agents by oxidizing the cells of microorganisms, causing rupture and leakage of vital composition.*They accelerate the breakdown by destroying the molecular bonds. This will help combine the organic gases to form a single molecule that is not harmful to humans thus enhance the air cleaning efficiency.

    *


    b) Biocide Systems - Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) is a potent oxidizer that literally uses oxygen to break up odour molecules. This sort of oxidizing action is found in many chemicals, but ClO2 is one of the most effective. ClO2 gas is especially good at oxidizing organic odour-causing substances, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). It does not mask them like perfumes do, it neutralizes them through oxidation and is very effective*



    c) Ozium air sanitizer - does not cover up the odours associated with pets, cooking and smoking. The original air purifier is a chemical agent that actually eliminates smoke and unpleasant odours and reduces airborne bacteria. It actually cleanses the air through glycolized action. The glycolized formula acts directly on odour causing particles in the air. Ozium is an EPA registered air sanitizer and is safe to use residentially or commercially in homes, rental property, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, veterinary clinics, restaurants, bars, laundry rooms, cars, mobile homes, offices, and just about anywhere there might be an odour problem.



    Application method- spray product onto cleaned surfaces, turn the AC to recirculation mode, spray return air ducts (clean or change cabin air filter) allow to run for approx 5 minutes, allow the deodorizer to permeate the various surfaces for about an hour before using the vehicle.*





    MRSA



    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus most commonly colonizes the anterior nares (the nostrils), the rest of the respiratory tract and open wound that is resistant to the antibacterial activity of Methicillin (and also to the newer drugs such as Flucloxacillin) and other related antibiotics of the penicillin class.



    MRSA is not normally a problem for healthy people; the risk of infection increases when people have a cut, wound or other skin damage, so in these instances people should take extra care.



    The N95 Surgical Respirator, the SpectraShield 9500, kills Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This mask is manufactured by Nexera Medical Ltd. of Richmond, British Columbia, this mask blocks at least 95% of small particles in a standardized test. The FDA clearance also included evaluation by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) use in conjunction with Nitrile cloves.



    All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned; preferably with low-vapour steam and then treated with a TiO2 Photo catalyst coating




    Mould



    Bacteria, moulds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants. Moulds do not require liquid water to grow. They only require relative humidity levels from 65% to 99% at the surface on which they grow. If you keep the humidity low enough, you can prevent mould growth. Maintaining relative humidity below 50% inhibits mould and mildew growth and bacteria. These contaminants may also breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in a/c ducts, drain pans, or overflow pipe. Physical symptoms related to biological contamination include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion.



    Without identifying and eliminating the source of the mould you can`t get rid of it, there are many Counteractants type products that mask odours; what you need to do is remove and clean and thoroughly dry the whole area; carpets, upholstery (inc foam and etc) that is affected, including the headliner and metal floor pan (don’t forget to clean/replace the cabin air filter).



    Just like mould and mildew contamination in other areas, you cannot wash or shampoo it away. This only exasperates the problem. Mould is a form of fungus which forms anywhere there’s moisture trapped in the air, and is spread by releasing millions of tiny spores into the air. You cannot see the spores but you may be able to see moulds, grey, green or black in colour, growing on damp surfaces.



    Dirt and moisture are essential to mildew propagation, which is very difficult to eradicate as mould uses enzymes to digest nutrients from organic materials, the mould forms on top of the material and also down into its fibres leaving circular or black spots in an irregular pattern. Mould / mildew needs to be neutralized as it will not dissipate without treatment as the spores are still present and moisture will regenerate them. When mould spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Some moulds also produce Mycotoxin’s that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals.



    There are many Counteractants products that only mask odours; what you need to do is remove and clean and disinfect the whole area; carpets, upholstery (including the upholstery foam and etc) that is affected, including the headliner and metal floor pan. Don’t forget to clean/replace the cabin air filter.

    Remove the seats and thoroughly clean the carpet with a carpet cleaner and a disinfectant. Then let it air dry, or use a heater to ensure that they are completely dry. To neutralize mould use 10:1 Distiller water / (non-chlorine) bleach solution, use a syringe to inject solution into seating foam, you may need to remove and replace the carpet padding. Steam clean HVAC vents and replace cabin air filter
    (See also “Mould (Mold) Removal and Remediation”)



    Products

    1. Natural environmentally safe products - Results for Shop By Manufacturer:Lumiere



    Bibliography



    1. Allergic Disease, Allergic Disorders, Allergic Illness – HON Allergy Glossary

    2. Killing Germs and Allergens with Ultraviolet Light

    3. Allergic Disease, Allergic Disorders, Allergic Illness – HON Allergy Glossary

    4. Killing Germs and Allergens with Ultraviolet Light

    5. Beware the new car smell -http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/bewarenewcarsmell.htm






    Relevent Articles



    1.“Mould (Mold) Remediation” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...tml#post149689



    2 “Odour Elimination” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...imination.html






    Information resource



    1. Wikipedia Encyclopaedia*

    2. Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist", by Jon Miller*

    3. TOGWT Series of Detailing Articles, by Jon Miller
    What gets overlooked too often is that one must be a student before becoming a teacher.

  2. #2

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    Visit this site; http://air-ductcleaning.org/ can give you more details and how important to have the duct cleaned into your house.

  3. #3
    The Old Grey Whistle Test togwt's Avatar
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    Do you also remove SPAM?
    What gets overlooked too often is that one must be a student before becoming a teacher.

  4. #4
    JAFO Junebug's Avatar
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    Problem solved!
    All I have in this world is my word, and my balls and I don`t break `em for no one, you understand?"

  5. #5
    Forza Auto Salon David Fermani's Avatar
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    The smell of Spam has a very disgusting odor.
    Metro Detroit`s leader in cleaning, preserving & perfecting fine automobiles!

  6. #6
    Ben@3D's Avatar
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    I would classify spam as an allergen. It is a volatile organic compound. :lever:
    3D and HD Professional Detailing Products

  7. #7
    CCH Auto Appearance, LLC C. Charles Hahn's Avatar
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    And here all this time I thought SPAM was purportedly a meat?
    Charlie
    Automotive Appearance Specialist - Serving Greater Lansing, Michigan
    http://www.cchautoappearance.com/

  8. #8
    The Old Grey Whistle Test togwt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by C. Charles Hahn
    And here all this time I thought SPAM was purportedly a meat?


    You have to listen to "Spam" by Monty Python to appreciate it
    What gets overlooked too often is that one must be a student before becoming a teacher.

  9. #9
    Ben@3D's Avatar
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    You can`t have egg, bacon, spam and sausage without the spam.
    3D and HD Professional Detailing Products

  10. #10

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    Great write up Jon.

  11. #11
    The Old Grey Whistle Test togwt's Avatar
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    Thank you John (JohnKleven)
    What gets overlooked too often is that one must be a student before becoming a teacher.

  12. #12
    The Old Grey Whistle Test togwt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TOGWT
    Thank you John (JohnKleven)


    Thank you.



    I hope others find it useful information
    What gets overlooked too often is that one must be a student before becoming a teacher.

  13. #13

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    Nice! Thanks!



    Fried Spam rocks! (Well in college it did)


    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    San Diego Auto Detailing

 

 

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