Most people don’t think about the air quality inside their car at all. If you’re among them and think that just rolling the windows up will solve the problem – it will not. The pollution inside the car is a subject that needs critical attention in today’s day and age – one that can only be solved with a car air purifier as of now.
A recent study by IQAir titled, ‘2018 World Air Quality Report’ showcased that India is home to 13 out of 15 most polluted cities in the world. Such dangerous levels of pollution are unhealthy for everyone and calls for immediate action. In such a polluted environment, driving without any protection can cause irreversible damage to health. Driving, either with windows rolled up or down doesn’t matter as the pollution levels are too high to be contained without specific devices. In fact, closed windows expose us more to CO2 and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Hence, the need for a car air purifier is inevitable.
Air Quality Inside Your Car
If you drive daily, chances are you’ve already felt the pollutants in the air. Even rolling down the window slightly, immediately leads to a noticeable odour. However, even though odour is instantly recognisable, gaseous pollutants, especially ultra-fine particles (UFPs) that we breathe show their effect differently. Choking, coughing, difficulty in breathing are some of the immediate results felt upon while driving.
Particles that You Breathe While Driving
Your car’s cabin is a hot-spot for Carbon Monoxide (CO), PM 2.5, PM 10, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene, Benzo, VOCs, Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2). A report suggested that even aromatic hydrocarbons from interior components and particulate matter from brakes are pollutants that can cause serious health problems.
Add traffic to the mix, and the quality of air suddenly becomes unhealthier beyond any merit. All the pollutants affect us more while driving. The air pollution is nine to twelve times higher inside the car than outside.
Tobacco smoke and smells from other sources must also be taken into account. While driving on the road, these factors can be witnessed in every instance. Tackling these factors is necessary.
The Effects of Breathing Polluted Air
- More than 2.2 million children in Delhi have irreversible lung damage due to the quality of air
- Almost 1.2 million Indians die every year due to air pollution
- The risk of air pollution as a cause of death is only slightly less than tobacco usage
These stats are worrisome. Breathing polluted air leads to serious respiratory ailments including damage to the respiratory system. Asthma and chronic cough are occurring more in children and older adults due to breathing polluted air.
Car Air Purifier – The Solution
Air pollution is among the most critical public health issue. If you drive and are concerned about your and family’s health – a car air purifier should be your next purchase.
However, there’s another catch. You just can’t buy any air purifier – you need to consider the technology to be sure that it will do what it’s meant to do. Being informed is a critical component when buying a car air purifier.
Car air purifiers are based on three technologies – HEPA, Ionizers and Ozone Generators.
- 1. HEPA Car Air Purifier
HEPA car air purifiers use HEPA filters – a tried and tested technology that is capable of trapping both large particles like pet dander and ultra-fine particles such as tobacco smoke and others.
Sure, you can avoid dust particles and diesel smoke from the truck by shutting the window down – but air pollution that harms you has particles as small as 0.003 microns. To capture pollutants to this extent, HEPA filters are the only ones that work brilliantly.
HEPA as a technology can be paired with other technologies to combat air pollution. It can be paired with a pre-filter to catch large particles and activated carbon to trap odours. It is the most recommended type of air filter and a perfect choice to combat air pollution in the car.
- 2. Ionisers
As the name suggests, ionisers air purifiers are devices that ionise pollutants, so they stick on surfaces. These type of car air purifiers are not recommended as the pollutants after sticking on the surface can release VOCs and pollute the car more in the long run. Furthermore, ionisers can cause respiratory problems and are harmful to the body.
- 3. Ozone Generators
Technically, air purifiers based on the principle of generating ozone do their job. These devices generate ozone that destroys the molecular structure of pollutants. However, ozone in itself is a pollutant and can further pollute more. There are also certain health concerns with ozone generators.
When buying a car air purifier, make sure it is based on HEPA filtration technology. Strictly avoid ionisers and ozone generators as car air purifiers.
What Should You Do?
Buy a car air purifier and ensure safety for everyone who travels in your car. If you’ve kids or old parents, a car air purifier is a must. You can buy a car air purifier from BreatheEasy where you will have hassle-free buying experience for air purifiers, replacement filters and everything that curbs air pollution. It is also the official and exclusive partner of the Swiss brand, IQAir.
Also, the next time you’re buying a car with airbags to ensure safety, make sure to buy an air purifier too.