A Used Car Or A Katrina Biohazard?

After Hurricane Katrina, there were several problems concerning food, shelter, and overall help. But now, there are sure signs of fraud and peril, coming from the resale of cars damaged by the storm. Since the hurricane struck on Aug. 29, law enforcement has warned people to scrutinize used cars for water damage and investigate their histories. These warnings are routine after major storms. But Katrina's automotive losses were hardly routine. During and after the hurricane, cars sat in sewage-contaminated and fuel-contaminated floodwaters in New Orleans, which now pose horrible risks to anyone who comes in contact with these vehicles. These cars can contain contaminated sludge, which may be hiding in doors, frame rails, rocker panels and gas tanks. Even the interior trim and carpets can harbor pathogens. The flooded cars should be regarded as biohazards, and people who come in contact with them can become horribly ill. It has been estimated that 570,000 cars have been damaged by Katrina. Some officials say 300,000 of the cars were in New Orleans. Many organizations and Carfax are working to solve this problem and identify the problematic cars.

This event relates to another event involving flooded-cars that were resold on the market in 1998. In this area, a major flood occured in which several cars were filled with sewage water. Some of these cars were placed on the market and sold, which recieved heavy scrutiny because there was great fear of people becoming deathly ill due to mold and other toxins. It is a shame that used car dealers all over the U.S. continue to sell cars that hurt people just to make money.