Guest guest Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 I think my car AC must have mold someplace in it. When I run the AC my eyes get very watery and I get nasal congetstion. How do I clean the mold or kill it from the AC? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 There are two groups of organisms that grow in auto AC systems: fungi and bacteria. You need to culture for both. Actinomycetes have been identified in Auto AC. I had a case where Actinoyccetes were discovered and the woman developed mediastinal sarcoidosis. Jack Dwayne Thrasher, Ph.D. Toxicologist/Immunotoxicologist/Fetaltoxicologist www.drthrasher.org toxicologist1@... Off: 916-745-4703 Cell: 575-937-1150 Lee Crawley, M.ED., LADC Trauma Specialist sandracrawley@... 916-745-4703 - Off 775-309-3994 - Cell This message and any attachments forwarded with it is to be considered privileged and confidential. The forwarding or redistribution of this message (and any attachments) without my prior written consent is strictly prohibited and may violate privacy laws. Once the intended purpose of this message has been served, please destroy the original message contents. If you have received this message in error, please reply immediately to advise the sender of the miscommunication and then delete the message and any copies you have printed. Thank you in advance for your compliance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 Hi Dr Thrasher- For the more common organisms that may set up shop in an auto AC system, is running ozone through the system a potentially effective erradication method? Kathy There are two groups of organisms that grow in auto AC systems: fungi and bacteria.....snip.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 Ozone is only temporary fix. The problem is condensation that will result in more growth after treatment. The ozone may kill off the fungi and bacteria, but their dead bodies will remain and emit toxins. Also, I doubt if the ozone will kill of the spores of the organisms. Usually, the drainage from the condensation pan needs to be repaired. Your better off not even running the AC. Just roll down you windows like I had to do as a young man when there was no AC in cars. Wind whipping in your air and face is wonderful. [] Re: Mold in AC in Car Hi Dr Thrasher- For the more common organisms that may set up shop in an auto AC system, is running ozone through the system a potentially effective erradication method? Kathy There are two groups of organisms that grow in auto AC systems: fungi and bacteria.....snip.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 Hi Dr Thrasher- Yeah well that's cause you're not a typical hair-obsesssed female..lol.. Yet I laugh at how much I have changed with this compared to my pre-MCS days as now can't get enough of the whipping fresh air except when around a bus, truck, construction zone, freshly sprayed farm fields, etc, etc, etc. Other than that, fresh air rocks and my hair may look like a birds nest when I get outta the car but hey, at least I've just had a nice little detox for myself..lol... Funny the things we learn to let go of. Ok so if the drainage from the condensation pan is repaired, then does any type of blowing out the lines/ " flushing " the system need to be done to remove any residual spores? Or is the pan repair sufficient to resolve that? Kathy Ozone is only temporary fix. The problem is condensation that will result in more growth after treatment. The ozone may kill off the fungi and bacteria, but their dead bodies will remain and emit toxins. Also, I doubt if the ozone will kill of the spores of the organisms. Usually, the drainage from the condensation pan needs to be repaired. Your better off not even running the AC. Just roll down you windows like I had to do as a young man when there was no AC in cars. Wind whipping in your air and face is wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 This has happened to me many many times. Here are the only two things that have ever worked for me-get a different car or spray with peroxide. I'm serious about the different car part-there have been cars with mold so bad that my left side would freeze up and I'd be semi-paralyzed. It's the proximity and direct access to the mold that makes it so bad. However, the always helpful Carl gave me this advice that has worked even if I still have to drive with the heat/ac off all the time and with the windows open: He recommended spraying the AC intakes (under the hood, near the window, I wish I could be more specific but I really don't know cars that well-my mechanic showed me where they were). I sprayed with hydrogen peroxide (my non-toxic mold killer of choice-you use whatever works for you)while the fans were blowing full strength in the car, then let the car run, fans blowing, for about a half an hour. I sprayed ALOT-maybe 32 ounces. It is a temporary but effective fix. We lease cars so I am living with this bad one until June (it's been moldy for a year already-no heat on all winter-ridiculous). I spray frequently-once a month-to keep it relatively unmoldy. Now I know to run the new AC on the fan after use to keep the moisture from building up inside and causing mold. I hope it will work. Depending how sensitive you are, this may work really well for you. AC's are impossible to fix for me-too sensitive. Good luck, Surella > > I think my car AC must have mold someplace in it. When I run the AC my eyes get very watery and I get nasal congetstion. How do I clean the mold or kill it from the AC? Thanks > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 my last car got mold in the ac that I could not fix, so I had to get a new one. This one I had the ac plug pulled so it would not come on, even with the defrost. Lasted one and a half years, now at xmass, I started using the heater, and it got moldy. Some condensation starts from extremes of temp. Even wearing a mask and driving with all the windows open, I get mold symptoms, joint pain, fatigue, headache the next morning. Fogging with GSE only works for a few days. Ozone worked for a week. Buying enzymes to see if that will help. As Shoemaker says, the mold has mutated, is more resistant, more aggressive, and obviously needs very little moisture as I live in the desert and we have had no rain or humidity for 6 months. My mechanic, who is very knowlegable, says it is a $800 job to get in there There are two groups of organisms that grow in auto AC systems: fungi and bacteria.....snip.... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 As has been suggested you can try hydrogen peroxide on the intakes. However, condensation is always going to somewhat of a problem. You can be like my lady, . She wears a hat with a bill on it. She looks good and I do not have to look at the frizzy hair. Jack Dwayne Thrasher, Ph.D. Toxicologist/Immunotoxicologist/Fetaltoxicologist www.drthrasher.org toxicologist1@... Off: 916-745-4703 Cell: 575-937-1150 Lee Crawley, M.ED., LADC Trauma Specialist sandracrawley@... 916-745-4703 - Off 775-309-3994 - Cell This message and any attachments forwarded with it is to be considered privileged and confidential. The forwarding or redistribution of this message (and any attachments) without my prior written consent is strictly prohibited and may violate privacy laws. Once the intended purpose of this message has been served, please destroy the original message contents. If you have received this message in error, please reply immediately to advise the sender of the miscommunication and then delete the message and any copies you have printed. Thank you in advance for your compliance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 AllerAir has a carbon air purifier that comes with an optional car adapter. Check it out (http://allerair.com/ then click on Compact/Travel down the left list). I just got their Project 007 with the optional UV light for my home and love it. I understand it is a hybrid of their best products. They have smaller ones that are considered portable and the car is one use for it. I talked to Tim at AllerAir at 888-852-8247 (call them about the car adapter option, it may not be on the web site). My opinion is that they are a really good company who understands MCS and indoor air quality issues. They have an MCS line which is upscale from the Project 007. They work very hard to help each unique case. I received 5 samples of carbon to test first to see which I was NOT sensitive to. They (and Tim was my salesman) treated me with the care I needed at a vulnerable time in my life with an important purchase. Of course, this does not address the mold in your car, but it may make things more tolerable than opening the window, especially on cold/hot/rainy days or when driving through a polluted area. I open my windows a lot at home, but it is great having my Project 007 to fight for me when the outdoor air is even worse than the indoor air. I am considering one for my car next, then one for the whole-home. But I had work done to my car last year and it left a petroleum lubricant on my transmission cable. The vapors seaped into my car for 6 weeks, February and March with my window(s) open and it hardly removed them. They were sooo strong. So I told him how sick it made me and he will be more sensitive the next time...he has someone near and dear to him who is sensitive also. I am amazed at how many people I find with similar conditions if I just graciously talk about my sensitivity. People are sick all over, and I don't think they talk much about it because of the negative stigma it gets. So I try to make it as positive and normal as can be, to help society accept it with sensitivity. It is a challenge. I hope you get the help you need. All it really takes is sensitivity and creativity on the part of our service-providers. Fear destroys both. So I will pray that you, and all mankind, will find the unique help they need to get through this life and let their God-given light shine through. Bless you, dear one. [] Re: Mold in AC in Car my last car got mold in the ac that I could not fix, so I had to get a new one. This one I had the ac plug pulled so it would not come on, even with the defrost. Lasted one and a half years, now at xmass, I started using the heater, and it got moldy. Some condensation starts from extremes of temp. Even wearing a mask and driving with all the windows open, I get mold symptoms, joint pain, fatigue, headache the next morning. Fogging with GSE only works for a few days. Ozone worked for a week. Buying enzymes to see if that will help. As Shoemaker says, the mold has mutated, is more resistant, more aggressive, and obviously needs very little moisture as I live in the desert and we have had no rain or humidity for 6 months. My mechanic, who is very knowlegable, says it is a $800 job to get in there There are two groups of organisms that grow in auto AC systems: fungi and bacteria.....snip.... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 You need to be sure your a/c evaporator line is draining properly. I have a Ford truck and it turns out if you go on the F150 forum, that the design of the line is poor, and that it can be fixed with an extra " elbow " , so that it really drains. If you turn on your a/c and drive around for half an hour and don't see it dripping out under the car, you have a problem. Get it cleaned out. It could have gunk, leaves, stuff in it. I don't use my a/c much as I react, meaning there is mold. And I don't use the heat because for some reason it smells like perfume, though the a/c doesn't have an odor at all. Weird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 I had the same problem in my Jeep AC. I had it removed, cleaned and reinstalled. May May Indoor Air Investigations LLC There are two groups of organisms that grow in auto AC systems: fungi and bacteria.....snip.... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 Mold in AC in Car Posted by: " deb3857wick " deborahkharper@... deb3857wick Date: Thu Mar 24, 2011 7:43 am ((PDT)) I think my car AC must have mold someplace in it. When I run the AC my eyes get very watery and I get nasal congetstion. How do I clean the mold or kill it from the AC? Thanks This topic has been discussed on several times before. For mold to grow in the AC, there needs to be at least a little dust or dirt, possibly leaf dust. If this gets bad enough, the drain line can plug up and air conditioning condensate can leak onto the carpet in front of the passenger seat instead of draining outside. Most car dealer service departments and many independent shops which specialize in air conditioning can pump a detergent-biocide treatment up the drain line into the drain pan. This should dislodge the mold nutrient, and get rid of most of the mold. Hopefully that will solve your problem without going to the high expense of testing. Many newer cars have a filter for the AC to help prevent entry of dust into the coils and drain pan, reducing the likelihood of mold growth. These should be changed at least every two years, yearly for sensitive people. Even the filter can get a little moldy when old. If you have a filter and haven't changed it, that might solve your problem, without the detergent-biocide treatment mentioned above. Look in your owner's manual for " cabin air filter " or " passenger compartment air filter " to see if you have such a filter and how to change it. If you're reasonably handy, you can do this yourself. Dealers carry these, and some car parts stores, like NAPA. One other consideration about filters: they only filter incoming air. If you run your AC on the MAX setting, or recirculate, unfiltered cabin air which might contain dust (or pet dander if you travel with a pet) can enter the AC coils and become nutrient for mold. You might consider not using the MAX setting. Last, mold needs moisture to grow. When driving, turn the AC off your last two miles, but leave the vent and fan on. This will help dry all condensation out of the air conditioner chamber, reducing mold growth when the temperature under the hood elevates and would otherwise create a high temperature high humidity situation conducive to growing mold in the drain pan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 Wow, this group is full of a lot of great information. Thank you so much. Though I was not the one who asked the question I shall look into these matters in my own car. [] Re: Mold in AC in Car You need to be sure your a/c evaporator line is draining properly. I have a Ford truck and it turns out if you go on the F150 forum, that the design of the line is poor, and that it can be fixed with an extra " elbow " , so that it really drains. If you turn on your a/c and drive around for half an hour and don't see it dripping out under the car, you have a problem. Get it cleaned out. It could have gunk, leaves, stuff in it. I don't use my a/c much as I react, meaning there is mold. And I don't use the heat because for some reason it smells like perfume, though the a/c doesn't have an odor at all. Weird. on-text portions of this message have been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 Hello- Thanks so much for the detailed info in your posting. If one choses to have a detergent-biocide flush done to their vehicle and assuming there are no system leaks...is auto AC a sealed system thus the chemical exposure risk for the cabin occupants is eliminated or reduced? Also, is leak checking standard operating procedure prior to this type of flush or or does the customer need to specifically ask the shop to peform such a check? Kathy -------------------------------- Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:18 pm >Mold in AC in Car .....snip....the drain line can plug up and air conditioning condensate can leak onto the carpet in front of the passenger seat instead of draining outside. Most car dealer service departments and many independent shops which specialize in air conditioning can pump a detergent-biocide treatment up the drain line into the drain pan. This should dislodge the mold nutrient, and get rid of most of the mold. Hopefully that will solve your problem without going to the high expense of testing....snip... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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