Allergy & Asthma Friendly Detailing

tresola

New member
Hi, I'm a newbie to Autopia forums. I was formerly on a few of the other detail forums as teblhasa before I disappeared (for a few good reasons :chuckle:).



Anyways, I've been out of the detailing scene for quite awhile now because I developed asthma, and unfortunately detailing is one of those activities I have to avoid. Actually, I think my asthma developed from detailing- I used a lot of Meguiar's Professional Glaze & Simple Green, two of the worst chemicals I think i've ever been in contact with. Tire Cleaners and degreasers are by no means kind either, add that to the list.



But... I really don't want to give detailing up permenantly! I've also heard of many people having issues with even the automatic car wash solvents, which got me thinking. I'm not sure if I'm posting in the correct forum here or not, but I was hoping maybe somebody would have some guidance for me. I am in the process of planning a different kind of detailing business, one that would target those people with asthma and allergies. I'm thinking of ways to set myself apart from the bunch of detailers in my area. I want to target health sufferers and people/families who are afraid of the chemicals they're exposed to. I'd probably get some environmentally conscious customers too, which is fine by me! I'm not talking the low VOC chemicals either, I am pretty sure they aren't gentle enough for the sensitive few (like low VOC house paints).



I know one step is to steam clean. But what else can you use for cleaning that would do the same job as the heavier duty chemicals (my steamer doesn't get the results as chemicals)? In particular, wheel cleaner and degreaser. Is there something you add into your steam cleaner to get better results, or is it maybe I don't have the technique down?



What are your other comments and suggestions? Do you know of any businesses I can look up who do the same thing? Thanks for your input, and let's hope I get to detail once again, and this time for a living!
 
People with asthma most often have allergies (myself included). Not sure when I got the asthma but have had it now for over 15 years. That said modern treatment for it most always involves checking for allergies (usually with a referral to a specialist) because if the allergies aren't checked neither will the asthma be.



That said, everyone has different allergies so it's hard to say what chemical line would be best for customers with allergies. I've not seen any hypoallergenic/non-allergenic products for detailing or autobody work in general.



Allergic reactions are usually caused by inhalation or contact. With the exception of maybe some dressings, most of the solvents in the products would have "flashed off" into the air or been rinsed away by the time you turn the car back over to the customer. And since people (mostly) don't drive butt naked they have limited contact with the materials inside the car.



I do admit that if I polishing out a car and I work the polish till it gets dusty I do sometime get a reaction, I counter that by wearing one of those white dust masks. I also stay away from wheel cleaners loaded up with acids.



It's certainly a noble and worthwhile cause your investigating and I wish you luck with it. Your care and concern for others shows.



Now on the other side of things, there are recent studies on the materials that go into making the interior products found in cars that are toxic and may contain allergens. This as well as the dust and pollen that tends to collect in the cabin.



Greg
 
My wife and both kids have severe chemical sensitivities and it drives them insane every time I work on a car. I wish they made fragrance free / dust free chemicals so I could work in peace. You might want to check out Whole Foods and see what they offer for cleaners. We buy their Seventh Generation Free & Clear line for household duties and it works great and doesn't bother anyone.
 
Thanks for the replies! I could always check out the Seventh Generation chemicals and see how they do. And I don't think there is a tire cleaner or degreaser that is even halfway friendly. I wore a mask yesterday, which cut down the problems alot, but I think I'll try out my bf's extra respirator next time. I normally don't have a problem with the dust, but I do the scent, depending what's being used.



I was tested for some allergies last week and those came up negative. I have a feeling its my mold-filled house that's making me so sensitive right now. The doctor did the same lecture of needing to find allergies to treat the asthma. I always thought they were separate things. I'll be moving in the next few months here, thankfully, and hopefully my reactions get cut down some.



I'm still very interested in helping people out, and I am even thinking of taking some chemistry classes when I go back to school, in hopes of maybe possibly making my own line of allergy/asthma friendly chemicals. I keep thinking there must be general household (like vinegar) and herbs that you could mix to clean with. Or maybe we could write to the Seventh Generation makers and suggest they put out an auto detailing line of chemicals.
 
There's alls types of testing that can be done to lock down certian allergies. We've gone as far as having biopsys & genetic testing done. Make sure the mask has a chemical fume filter to block out all of the deadly chemicals your sesitive system may not be able absorb. Especally with all the crap that's in most polishes. Good luck.
 
Thanks! I think I might have to go in for more extensive testing. Either that or just avoid the nasty cleaners. Yesterday after working with the mask and staying away from the heavy stuff, my chest only hurt slightly. I was only bothered a little by the tire cleaner and degreaser (as always!).



I'll let you know how it goes and if I discover any "nicer" chemicals.
 
1st off welcome(there are some real d-bags on other sites:nana:) 2nd I'm sure you have already none about them,but some place like Harbor Dreight sales Resporators....I realize this are probally uncomfortable but at least it will keep you detailing....D.F. I think offered some good advice as well,my wife has bad allergys and does alot of shopping @ Whole Foods. Good Luck
 
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