Re: microbial testing of automobile a/c air

January 26, 2006

,

I have tested the air from the vents. It's not too different from the

outdoor air: pollen, spores, road dust and rubber tire particles.

I have sampled the dust on the actual coil as well. To the eye, it looks

like plant material but it is nearly 100% microbial growth, mostly bacteria

and yeast, and depending on the conditions, mold, all stuck on a " framework "

of the original plant nutrient.

Anyone purchasing a car should insist on a model equipped with a cabin air

filter. These small media filters are now available on the AC system, but

obviously must be changed once or twice a year.

I would agree with Carl about testing. You can assume that any coil that is

not filtered will acquire microbial growth. For very sensitized individuals,

the AC unit might have to be removed for cleaning. For systems without

cabin air filters (nearly all pre-2000 models), operating only in the

recirculate mode minimizes the amount of debris taken in.

May

May Indoor Air Investigations LLC

Carl E. Grimes writes:

> It would be interesting to know, but I've never tested because that

> costs as much or more than a mechanic flushing the system and wiping

> the ducting.

>

> Carl Grimes

> Healthy Habitats LLC

>

>> Does anybody frequently test the air-conditioner supply air in

>> vehicles for total viable and non-viable mold, and if so what has

>> been the results?

>>

>> Thank you,

>>

>> Sherry, CMC

>> Southern Sciences, Inc.

>>

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