Leaving some items in your car during the extreme heat this week could be harmful

Many people are keeping things like hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in their vehicles because of the coronavirus pandemc. But, temperatures this week are expected to stay unseasonably warm. Keeping these products in your car can actually be dangerous or cause the ingredients to change.

Fire Captain Fernando Herrera with the Riverside County Fire Department and Cal Fire said, "Whether you are using the sanitary wipes or sanitizer, liquid or gel form, some of those are very sensitive to the heat." He specifically mentioned the alcohol based products. Herrera said, "If you leave those in your vehicle, there’s a potential for an explosion. And by that I mean, not necessarily a fire, but the contents inside because it’s alcohol based, builds up that heat, reaches a flammable point, and will explode inside." He mentioned the major distraction it can cause if one of these products explodes while driving and that it can easily lead to an accident.

As temperatures reach up to 110°, which they are expected to, the temperature inside the vehicle could reach up to 150° or more. Not only can this extreme heat cause these products to explode, but it can also cause burns when you go to use them. While talking about latex gloves, Herrera said, "They’re latex gloves, they’re plastic basically, so it heats up, it retains the heat. So you’re touching a hot surface, you’re trying to put a glove that’s been exposed to the heat, it’s going to burn you."

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These products can also lose their effectiveness when exposed to extreme heat. On the FDA's website, they state under safety of disinfecting wipes, "As with all cosmetics, store wipes properly. If they are exposed to temperature extremes, such as in a hot or cold car, they may dry out, or the temperature extremes can cause changes in the ingredients. For example, the preservatives that protect against bacteria and mold may break down and not be able to do their job. Also, bacteria and mold may grow faster in a warm place."

Herrera emphasized that there is just no benefit to leaving these products exposed to the sun, even when it comes to facemasks. He said, "Any type of mask you are using, fabric, cloth or N95 mask, if you leave it in direct sunlight thinking that it’s going to kill the virus. Well, there’s been no information that i’m aware of that kills the virus, and leaving it exposed to direct sunlight, when you reach for it to put it on you can obviously hurt yourself."

If you need to leave these products in the car, store them in the glove compartment and out of direct sunlight. The best thing to do is to remove them from the vehicle when you leave your vehicle.

News Channel 3's Taban Sharifi will have more details today at 5 p.m.

Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.

Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.
Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.

Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:

Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
Cough into your elbow or tissue.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
Stay away from anyone who is sick.