Question from Renee’
I was in my husbands 2010 MKS lincoln yesterday after it had been parked in the direct sun. Upon getting in, the smell was uncomfortable to me and I had to open the windows while driving. After a few hours, I was severly tired and laid on the bed and slept for 9 hours and woke in a stupor with my asthma full bloom, headache and extreme exhaustion. Do I see a doctor or will this pass? My husband was not affected.
Debra’s Answer
First, NOBODY SHOULD GET IN A CAR THAT HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE SUN. Car interiors are full of synthetic materials that are outgassing toxic chemicals all the time, but when a car sits in the sun, it turns into an oven that causes even more toxic chemicals to be released, often to very high levels.
Before getting into a car that has been sitting in the sun, open both doors and allow air to flow through before getting into the car. It will be cooler if you do this, too.
It sounds to me like your body was overwhelmed by toxic fumes released from the car interior.
Your reaction indicates to me your body has a very high body burden, and this exposure pushed you over the edge into symptoms.
You could visit a doctor, but it’s likely he won’t recognize this.
Here is a list of the types of healthcare professionals who could help you.
I’m looking forward to the day when I can get my hands on the newer model Prius, because it has a fan in the ceiling run constantly by solar power, so that when you leave the car in a parking lot, it will ventilate constantly. So cool!
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
What a great idea!
I hope the reader will listen to your advise on getting your book and the right health care provider. Thanks to both Debra and my Environmental allergist and am healing. It has been a slow process but worth it.
We leased a new car in May and didn’t ride in it until just 10 days ago because we had to sell the older car I was driving. We blew a high power fan in it for weeks, sat it in the sun and washed it down many times. Today was 85 out and I had to wear a carbon mask when I couldn’t have the window open. It was my first long trip (over 50 miles one way). I always open the doors before I get it and if I park in the sun crack the windows an inch, which only helps a little. I did ok but know I don’t want to take another long trip for a little bit.