Outgassing Toxins causing film on your windshield

Outgassing - no, it is not a bodily function.  It is when chemical particles are released from something plastic.  Often, a windshield will have a film on the inside.  It can be tough to clean, it can hinder your visual driving at night.   Like us, you may have just grabbed your cleaner and thought, "How the heck does my windshield get so dirty inside?"

However, that new car smell may actually be outgassing.  The heat of the summer interacts with UV-rays on glass and the interior plastic parts.  At times, the interior of the vehicle can reach 110 degrees and that temperature can release toxic chemicals.  The chemical gasses and particles cause an oily film to cling to the windshield.

Check out this mom's blog to see her experiment with this.  This is the photo from her experiment.

In a 2006 article, L.A. Time writer, Ralph Vartabedian stated: As PVC ages, the plasticizers form gases which escape from the plastic. Out gassing causes an oily fog on interior car windows that are a headache to clean up and ultimately restrict visibility. Although all PVC undergoes some out gassing of plasticizers, it is more pronounced in a car because on hot sunny days, a PVC dashboard can reach 200 degrees. Ultraviolet rays also accelerate PVC aging and out gassing.

 In fact, Car Talk interviewed Ecology expert Jeff Gearhart who did a study on this topic.   He said, "The problem is that many of these chemicals are unregulated when it comes to using them in car interiors. And they have all kinds of negative impacts on your health. Short-term problems include headaches and nausea."

Gearhart also said, "The average American spends over 1.5 hours in his car every day ... and over time, that's thousands of hours, sitting there breathing those fumes.
Long term, the result can be memory loss, cognitive, nervous and immune system problems, hormone and reproductive disorders and cancer. Did I mention memory loss?
Also, memory loss."

So, what can you do to protect yourself?   Gearhart suggests, "When you park your car, leave the windows open a crack to improve ventilation. Open your doors and thoroughly ventilate your car before getting in.
You can also park in the shade whenever possible, or use a solar reflector in the windshield, because heat and UV exposure accelerates the release of some chemicals."


At Polzin Glass, we recommend periodic cleaning of your window's interior as a normal maintenance function.   People often think that low light glare is normal.  That is not the case.  Clean glass allows light to pass through it unhindered.  Please keep your interior windshield & all other windows clean for your safety.  

To learn more about how toxins affect your health, click here

POLZIN GLASS NORTHFIELD • Phone: (507) 645-6450 | 

POLZIN GLASS FARIBAULT • Phone: (507) 334-8680

Window and Screen Replacement for Camper and RV's the Faribault and Northfield Area

Ah, Summer.  It is that time when Minnesotans get outdoors and start adventures.  It is also the time of year, you may check your camper or RV and see that the screen or window has broken.

Before you cancel your summer getaway, here are some tips on gathering the right information so you can get in, get it repaired and get on your way.

You can take cardboard templates for the exact glass size and shape that you need. Bring it to your local glass repair shop (like Polzin Glass).   At times, tempered safety glass may be ordered to fit your patterns, or even polycarbonate (plastic) to fit your patterns.

You can also stop by or simply pop the screen or window out and bring it in.  We'll look at the damage and suggest the safest solution for you and your family.

Talk to us at Polzin Glass today.

Call toll free:
Northfield: (800) 944-2054
Faribault: (866) 334-8680

OEM quality glass in Faribault and Northfield

As glass experts, we often find ourselves telling customers that we provide O.E.M. quality glass.  Yet, what does that mean to you, the customer?

O.E.M. stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Perfectly clear now, right?   Actually, knowing what it stands for is just part of the equation.  O.E.M. quality glass is the best quality available.  It means the O.E.M. quality glass is the same color, DURABILITY, thickness, size and shape as the original window specs.  Sometimes even better quality!!

In addition, this high-quality glass means protection for you and your family.  When it comes to replacing a windshield, it is part of the safety structure of your vehicle!!  This is not the place to cut corners & get cheap low quality glass.

Some glass repair shops will use the cheaper options, we will not.  To us, keeping you, your family and friends safe in your car in much more important than cutting a few corners to save a few extra dollars.

When choosing for your families safety, chose O.E.M. quality glass installed by Polzin Glass in Northfield & Faribault.

POLZIN GLASS NORTHFIELD • Phone: (507) 645-6450 |  

POLZIN GLASS FARIBAULT • Phone: (507) 334-8680

www.polzinglass.com

Tractor Cab Glass Replacement in Faribault

When a farmer has broken glass in his tractor cab, it is usually something they want to get fixed quickly so that no time in the field is lost.  At Polzin Glass, our Faribault and Northfield locations can assist with all makes and models of tractor cabs.  

However, there are a few questions that we may need answers to that can help speed up the process.

For example:

 

Q: Did the glass crack or shatter in a million little pieces?

A: If it is cracked then it is probably Laminated glass and if it shattered then it is Tempered glass.

Q: Is the glass intact?

A: If so, it is Laminated glass and we can use that piece to make a pattern and cut a new piece.  If you lost or threw the glass away, we will need to make a pattern and then cut the new glass from that pattern.

Q:  Did the glass have a hole in it for wipers or hinges?

A: If so, you would need to get a new piece of glass from a tractor dealer and we will install it for you.  If you chose to do this, please call us to schedule an appointment.

Q: Do you still have the rubber that held the glass?

A: If  you still have the rubber and it is in good shape, we can reuse the old rubber. If you do not have the old rubber or it is cracked/ripped, we do have new rubber gasket for it.

Q: Can you bring the window or frame to the shop?

A: If you can bring the frame to our Northfield or Faribault shop, it will save you money.   Of course, if you need us to we can come there to make the pattern(s) & then come back to install once we cut & sand the new glass to the patterns.

POLZIN GLASS NORTHFIELD • Phone: (507) 645-6450 | 

POLZIN GLASS FARIBAULT • Phone: (507) 334-8680

www.polzinglass.com