Cathy Wilson, writing for Athens, Ohio’s, The Post, cautioned readers this week about erroneous environmental advertising that can trip up the green-minded consumer. Among her warnings was an alert on “phony fuel-additive pills that were advertised as ways people could add miles to their fuel tank.”

I’d never seen these kinds of pills (and I assumed they didn’t work) but I wondered if anyone had really tried them out? Had they talked to mechanics about what they will do to cars? It’s one thing to say they don’t work because that’s what your gut is saying, but there will always be someone who thinks it might be worth the money. Taking the “no harm – no foul” approach, they’ll waste a few pennies … not paying any mind to what might happen to their car because of these products. Or what will happen to them.

At least one state took a stand on them. From Consumers Affairs:

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has won a temporary restraining order and asset freeze against Texas-based BioPerformance Inc.

Go Greg Abbott!

Scientists who tested the product at the University of Texas at Austin and at a Florida university concluded that the pills are mainly naphthalene, the chemical found in mothballs. The Attorney General’s laboratory expert actually concluded BioPerformance’s product could decrease engine performance.

Abbott’s scientific expert also found that the chemical compound used in these pills can be harmful to humans. Short-term exposure to naphthalene by humans via inhalation, ingestion or skin contact can result in anemia and neurological or liver damage.

So, folks, please do not use these kinds of products unless you know absolutely, without doubt that they are a) okay for YOU and b) okay for your car. And please, if you were duped into getting involved with this pyramid scheme, get these toxic chemicals out of your house!

Post from: EveryJoe

Phony Fuel Additives Harmful to Cars & Drivers