Keeping Your Car Wash Free from Dangerous Chemicals

Sustainability is on the mind of many consumers and that makes the quality of your express exterior car wash detergents a hot topic when it comes to local car wash competition. PFAS (poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a current focus and are being heralded as “forever chemicals” in the media due to the fact that they break down very slowly.

The EPA revealed that these chemicals are frequently used and are even being found in the blood of people and animals. So besides just the environmental damage, there may also be health risks. While the extent of the impact these chemicals have on people, animals, or the environment is not yet fully understood, there is some scientific research linking PFAS chemicals to harmful effects.

Because of the long-lasting nature of these chemicals, the race is on to eliminate them from consumer products before the threat grows even greater. So, what does this mean for your express exterior car wash?

Eliminating PFAS Chemicals from Your Wash

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these chemicals to ensure they are not contained in any of the detergents being used at your wash. There is a particularly high risk of these chemicals having long-term contamination effects on water and then spreading to people and animals from there. So, you don’t want your car wash to become a target of environmental protection enthusiasts. Plus, it’s just better for you, your staff, and your community to stay away from these chemicals.

So what are the big considerations:

• If you discover your detergents contain PFAS, how quickly can you switch to another product, and how may it impact the quality of the wash?

• Are there any regulations in place in your district, and if so, are there any retroactive legal implications for the use of PFAS at the wash?

• If you determine your detergents are PFAS-free (or you switch to PFAS-free soaps), how can you market this to the community to show your commitment to health and safety?

• How will you record and store safety data sheets, communicate with distributors and suppliers, and file other important information to protect your business so it is clear that you have done everything in your power to avoid the presence of PFAS at your express exterior car wash?
  

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