Windshield washer fluid great conditions for bacteria
Posted May 26, 2014 08:37:26 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new study out of Arizona State University finds that a form of bacteria which causes respiratory illnesses – including Legionnaire’s Disease – may be able to grow and thrive in wind shield washer fluid.
When a driver uses the fluid, the spray can potentially release dangerous numbers of the bacteria into the air.
Legionnaire bacteria – which cause a deadly type of pneumonia – are found naturally in the environment, most often in the water, and are transmitted through mist or vapour.
When growing inside a variety of wind shield washer fluids, scientists found bacterial concentrations increased over time and were able to maintain stable populations for more than a year.
Researchers say the study proves the humans can be exposed to pathogens which occur naturally in the environment, in previously unknown and odd ways.
