How to Get Clean Air in Your Car

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Having clean air in your car can make your drive a more enjoyable experience. In addition, it can also improve the quality of life for people who travel frequently.

Recirculation reduces particulate matter concentration

Using your car’s ventilation system to “recirculate” the air is the best way to reduce your exposure to harmful traffic pollution. Using a fan set to recirculate the air can reduce your exposure to TRAP by approximately 20%.

In-vehicle exposures to pollutants are typically higher than exposures to the ambient air. This is due to the fact that a car absorbs emissions from the surrounding vehicles and recirculates them into the cabin. Depending on the age of your vehicle, the air exchange rate may be higher or lower than it is when the air is not in the car.

The most common source of pollution from traffic is ultrafine particles, or particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These are the most hazardous to your health. Ultrafine particles account for 90 percent of all airborne particles. They are also responsible for causing cancer, asthma, and other diseases. The recirculation of air through a HEPA filter can reduce your exposure to UFPs by approximately 20 percent. The European Union’s automobile emission standards are designed to reduce exposure to these harmful pollutants. These standards include NOx, dust, CO, and particulate matter. The standards have been strengthened periodically to meet current air quality standards.

Trisha Lewis

Trisha is the lead writer @ AirQualityShop.com She also writes in the wellness and green space. On AirQualityShop.com Trisha specializes in pure air product reviews and DIY articles.