The Frightening Dangers in Automobiles

By Brian Turner

When people consider purchasing a new car they initially look into how economical the gas mileage is, how much room there is inside for seating and storage and what safety features the car has to offer. Most people would never know to look into how many hazardous materials they and their loved ones may be exposed while inside the new vehicle.

Awareness of toxic chemical exposure in automobiles has increased worldwide and especially in Europe, culminating in the passing of the European Union’s REACH chemicals legislation which came into force in 2007. Since then, automakers have made a more conscious effort to phase them out, but as a consumer it is important to know what chemicals to research and look for when purchasing a new or used car.

Lead:

Lead has been used as an additive in parts made of plastic in automobiles for decades. Exposure can result in brain damage, learning and behavioral problems, kidney, blood, and reproductive problems.

Chlorine:

This chemical is used in the production of ploy vinyl chloride (PVC) and is used in some seat and under ceiling production. It contains phthalates, which have been associated with infertility and early deliveries. Phthalates can be passed from mother to child through the placenta and breast milk. Exposure can also lead to damage in the liver, thyroid, kidneys, testes, ovaries, and blood.

Bromine:

Bromine is used as a flame retardant added to the plastics, when exposed to heat or UV-rays the chemical breaks down and increase in toxicity. Bromine has been associated with learning problems, behavioral changes, and impairment of memory.

Asbestos:

Asbestos has been used for decades in the hood liners, brake pads, and clutch facings of automobiles. Causing significant risk to professional mechanics and at home enthusiasts alike.  Asbestos has also commonly been used in the materials to make heated seats, valve rings, and gasket material.

The danger from asbestos comes from breathing in the dust. The extent of the damage to ones health may not be realized for 15 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.  Inhalation of asbestos dust can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleura mesothelioma, a form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos was used routinely in parts of older cars, millions of which are still in use today. Many foreign cars that are imported to the United States still contain asbestos in the brake pads and clutch facings.

Not all cars are made alike, and some are safer from exposure than others. It is important to research the models you are interested in and get the facts before you buy. Your health, and that of your families may count on it.

Dodge Viper ACR is fastest production car at Nurburging

Dodge's Viper ACR has taken back the lap time record for production car at the Nurburging track. Even with a brand new Viper in the works for its 2013 release, the current edition is still a rocket around the race track.

The Viper Club has reported, yet unconfirmed, that the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR ran a lap at Nurburging in 7 minutes, 12 seconds,  which is 5 seconds faster than the Lexus LFA who previously held the record for production cars. before that, the Corvette ZR1 put up a time of 7:19, and prior to the Chevy's lap, the Viper was king in 2008 with a 7:22.1 lap. So Dodge is not new to being at the top of the performance production car podium.

TV reporter in Irene covered in toxic waste

WTTG's Tucker Barnes casually gives a live report on Hurricane Irene from Ocean City, Maryland while being pelted with what he described as "organic matter" that "doesn't taste great."

It probably tasted bad because the mystery "sea foam" was raw sewage that had poured into the water during the storm and then mixed with cyanobacteria, causing it to foam up. Its a nasty top layer of the Frappuccino that is the oceanafter you neglect it for a few minutes and the whipped cream starts to melt into the icy brown part. Except toxic.

Reporter Gives Update Covered In Sea Foam: MyFoxNY.com

Justin Bieber has good taste in cars

I may not like this kid, but i am one jealous SOB when i see him driving THIS:

Now hes had this $200,000 beast of a Ferrari F430 sittin in his garage since before he can drive, but he better know how to handle all that power and i better not see it wrecked a few years down the road xD at least he doesnt have a plaque on it that says "made specifically for Justin Bieber" AHEM "SITUATION" -.-

2013 Ford Mustang Spy Photos

Apparently, according to MUSTANGDAILY, the 2013 Ford Mustang will be receiving a significant redesigning from the mean look of the Shelby GT500. In the spy photos, it doesnt seem to have been redesigned too much, but theyve got over a year to continue to alter the vehicle. The new Mustang, similar to what is being included with the 2014 BMW M3, will have LED lights installed (yes those bright white lights that blind you from oncoming traffic XD) There will also be a significant increase in horsepower, no specifics are known, but it will happen xD

"The Situation" adds to his collection

I guess his Ferrari just wasnt enough huh? xD Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from the so popular Jersey Shore adds a "GTL" Lamborghini Gallardo to add to his garage. A plaque was even included on the car to remind everyone who this customized Lamborghini was made for. After all these Jersey Shore stars go broke, im sure a diehard fan will brag about this purchase to everyone else who watched Jersey Shore xD

Just in case the plaque wasnt enough to remind you whos car this is, the infamous "GTL" is found on the license plate. 

Wiz Khalifa Rollin' in Black And Yellow

I guess when you have a single called "Black and Yellow" that hits #1, you definitely need a car to match. Here's Wiz Khalifa and his customized Dodge Challenger SRT8 which looks pretty freakin nice x) What do you think of it?