We can’t help traffic, but we can avoid breathing it when we are sitting inside our car.
In the confined space of our cars, we inhale particulate matter (PM) and chemical matter in the form of voluntary organic compounds (VOCs). Cabin air filters primarily focus on trapping PM, some better than others with HEPA filters, but they need replacing regularly and this can be costly. But what about VOCs?
Very few car filters will capture VOCs efficiently. Toxic fumes can come from the synthetic car interior (dashboard, seats, mats etc) and from external sources such as exhaust fumes. In cars under 3 years old, VOCs emission from materials is the highest but, with time, this is gradually replaced by emission from external sources such as the combustion of fuel, fuel leakages etc.
Numerous studies have found the measurable presence of anywhere from 30 to more than 250 separate VOCs in a single vehicle. In such a confined space, concentrations of these emissions may reach levels that are potentially harmful to us.
There are currently no global VIAQ regulations and standards around permissible level of VOCs in new vehicles have only been implemented in a handful of countries. Although more research is needed on VIAQ, it is well known that activated carbon/charcoal is extremely efficient at adsorbing harmful pollutants. Why, then, is it not a requirement to have carbon filters in all new cars and to ensure regular replacements are carried out as standard? We delve into filters in a bit more detail in our Filter Fanatic article.
In the meantime, why not take action yourself by purchasing an Airbon natural air purifier to ensure clean air for your and your family.
We carried out HPLC lab testing on a used Airbon box that was in a 3 year old car for 4 months. More details can be found in the links below.
Learn more about Airbon and Activated Charcoal