Bronte Wells
Cars are a major source of outdoor air pollution, but they are also a source of indoor air pollution, which can be up to five times higher than outdoor air pollution. The air inside a car cabin will eventually be ventilated or equilibrated with the outside air, but this can take up to an hour, depending on fan speed, ventilation mode, and cabin air recirculation. In the meantime, pollutants can accumulate inside the car, including gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which can impair decision-making, cause drowsiness, and exert adverse health effects. Cabin air filters, which are part of the ventilation system, can help to remove larger particles like pollen and dust but are less effective at filtering out smaller, submicrometer particles from vehicle emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution inside cars | Up to 5 times higher than outdoors |
| Cabin air filters | Designed to remove large particles like pollen and dust; not very effective at filtering out smaller, submicrometer particles |
| Gases | Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde |
| Pollutants | Fine dust, ultrafine particles (UFP), secondhand smoke, bacteria, fungi, viruses |
| Solutions | Ventilation settings, fan speed, recirculating cabin air, regular cleaning, avoiding crowded routes and congested times, maintaining distance from other vehicles |
| Filters | Nano carbon filters, high-performance particle filters, Airbubbl by Airlabs |
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What You'll Learn
- Cabin air filters are ineffective at filtering out small, harmful particles and gases
- Poor car maintenance can cause mould, fungi and bacteria to grow, which exacerbates air pollution
- Air pollution is up to 5x higher indoors than outdoors
- Driving with windows closed and using air conditioning can increase carbon dioxide levels
- Modern vehicles emit less pollution than older vehicles
Cabin air filters are ineffective at filtering out small, harmful particles and gases
Cabin air filters are an important component of a car's HVAC system, designed to protect the occupants from harmful pollutants. However, they are ineffective at filtering out small, harmful particles and gases.
Firstly, cabin air filters were originally designed to remove larger particles such as pollen and dust. While they can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, they are not very good at filtering out submicrometer particles from vehicle emissions. These fine particles, including ultrafine particles (UFP), are considered especially dangerous to human health.
Secondly, gases like carbon dioxide, exhaled by passengers, and nitrogen oxide, which enters the cabin from vehicle emissions, are not typically filtered by cabin air filters. These gases can impair decision-making, cause drowsiness, and have other adverse health effects.
Additionally, the effectiveness of cabin air filters decreases over time as they become clogged with dirt, dust, and other contaminants. A clogged filter restricts airflow, reducing the performance of the HVAC system, and allowing dust, pollen, and harmful gases to circulate inside the vehicle.
Furthermore, certain pollutants and gases can enter the vehicle from sources other than outside air. Materials inside the car, such as plasticizers in seat covers and steering wheels, can emit pollutants when exposed to direct sunlight. Household products, personal care items, and secondhand smoke brought into the car can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals.
While cabin air filters provide some protection, they are limited in their ability to filter out the smallest and most harmful particles and gases. To improve in-cabin air quality, it is recommended to regularly clean and replace cabin air filters, control clutter, and maintain proper ventilation settings.
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Poor car maintenance can cause mould, fungi and bacteria to grow, which exacerbates air pollution
The air inside a car cabin can contain up to five times more pollutants than outdoor air. Driving a car to work, for instance, exposes commuters to substantial pollution. The car cabin is like a box with small holes for gas exchange, which means that the air inside will eventually be ventilated or equilibrated with the outside air. However, this can take anywhere from a minute to an hour, depending on factors such as fan speed, ventilation mode, and cabin air recirculation.
Poor car maintenance can cause mould, fungi, and bacteria to grow, exacerbating air pollution. For example, leaks or floods can result in mould growth in a car's HVAC system and interior, triggering allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals. Liquids left to soak into carpets or seats create a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which are fungi that thrive in damp environments with poor ventilation. Rain or snow-soaked mats retain moisture, especially if not dried properly. Leaks allow water to seep into the car, creating damp conditions for fungi to flourish.
Food waste, papers, and other clutter can also collect dust and harbour mould, bacteria, and pests. Food that falls between seats and into crevices is kept in a dark environment where mould proliferates. The car is often not cleaned as regularly as a home, allowing mess and bacteria to fester and spread. A lack of regular cleaning can cause mould to grow, especially in hard-to-clean areas like door bins. Regularly cleaning the car interior is one of the best preventative measures against mould, as it helps to spot and remove bacteria, germs, and moisture that contribute to its growth.
To prevent mould, it is essential to ventilate the car properly and address any underlying issues, such as a leaky sunroof or damaged weather stripping. Spills and stains should be cleaned up promptly to prevent mould growth, and surfaces should be wiped down with a damp cloth. Vacuuming upholstery and carpeted floors and mats regularly can also help reduce clutter and indoor air contaminants.
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Air pollution is up to 5x higher indoors than outdoors
Air pollution is a serious issue, with around 7 million deaths attributed to it annually. While outdoor air pollution often makes the headlines, indoor air pollution is also a significant concern. Research by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that indoor air pollution levels can be up to five times higher than outdoor levels and can quickly become 100 times worse.
There are several reasons why indoor air pollution can be so much worse than outdoors. Firstly, indoor spaces are often enclosed and poorly ventilated, allowing pollutants to accumulate. This is particularly true for cars, which are like boxes with small holes for gas exchange. It can take a significant amount of time, depending on fan speed and ventilation settings, for the air inside a car to equilibrate with the outside air. Additionally, the air inside a car cabin can be contaminated by gases like carbon dioxide exhaled by passengers and nitrogen oxide from vehicle emissions, which can have adverse health effects.
Another factor contributing to indoor air pollution is the use of household products that release chemicals, such as scented air fresheners, cosmetics, and deodorants, cleaning supplies, paints, and insecticides. These products can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are particularly harmful in enclosed spaces. For example, secondhand smoke, including e-cigarette exhaust, contains hundreds of toxic or carcinogenic chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and arsenic.
Furthermore, indoor sources of combustion, such as tobacco, wood, and coal heating, can release harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide and particulate matter directly into the indoor environment. Building materials and furnishings can also be a source of pollution, through the degradation of materials like asbestos or the release of chemicals during off-gassing from pressed wood products.
It's important to note that outdoor air pollution can also infiltrate indoor spaces through open doors, windows, ventilation systems, and even tiny cracks in walls and windows. This is particularly true during extreme air pollution events like wildfires. However, ventilation is still crucial in diluting indoor pollutants, despite the potential introduction of outdoor pollutants.
To improve indoor air quality, it is recommended to regularly clean and maintain indoor spaces, wipe down surfaces, vacuum upholstery, and address any leaks or moisture problems that could lead to mould growth. In cars, keeping the cabin air filter clean and effective is essential, as it helps protect occupants from harmful pollutants. Additionally, when driving, it is advisable to choose less congested routes and travel during less crowded times to reduce exposure to traffic-related emissions.
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Driving with windows closed and using air conditioning can increase carbon dioxide levels
Driving with the windows closed and the air conditioning on can increase carbon dioxide levels. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gaseous pollutant that is exhaled by passengers in a car. While oxygen levels remain mostly unchanged, carbon dioxide levels can more than triple, even in a short period of time.
When driving with the windows closed and the air conditioning on, the ventilation setting is crucial in determining carbon dioxide accumulation. Research shows that the recirculated cabin (RC) air setting, which limits the exchange of outside air, can lead to a significant increase in CO2 levels. This is because the air inside the car becomes increasingly concentrated with the carbon dioxide exhaled by the occupants.
The accumulation of carbon dioxide can occur rapidly, especially in closed ventilation conditions. Studies have found that CO2 concentrations can exceed 2500 parts per million (PPM) within 15 to 20 minutes in a stationary vehicle with the windows closed and recirculated cabin air. At these levels, carbon dioxide can impair decision-making, cause drowsiness, and have adverse health effects.
To mitigate the increase in carbon dioxide levels, it is recommended to periodically open the windows to allow for air circulation. While this may result in the influx of outside air pollutants, the risk of high CO2 levels is reduced. Additionally, maintaining proper ventilation and regularly cleaning the cabin air filter can help improve the air quality inside the vehicle.
It is worth noting that the impact of increased carbon dioxide levels may vary depending on factors such as the number of occupants, trip duration, and vehicle size. Longer trips with multiple occupants in a closed-up car can accelerate the accumulation of CO2 and exacerbate the potential health effects. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure adequate ventilation and air circulation when driving with the windows closed and the air conditioning on to prevent high concentrations of carbon dioxide.
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Modern vehicles emit less pollution than older vehicles
While cars remain a significant contributor to air pollution, modern vehicles emit less pollution than older ones. This is mainly due to the advanced emission-control equipment in newer models, which older cars often lack. Cars manufactured before 1980, for instance, make up a small percentage of the US car fleet but contribute a disproportionately large share of total vehicle emissions. On a typical hot summer day, these older cars emit about 40% of the nation's hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions from vehicles, and 25% of nitrogen oxide emissions.
The higher emissions of older cars are also due to the malfunction or absence of emission-control technology. In contrast, modern vehicles are subject to increasingly stringent emissions standards, resulting in drastically reduced emissions. Removing these older vehicles from the road through accelerated vehicle-retirement (AVR) programs can significantly reduce specific emission types.
The electric vehicle (EV) market also offers cleaner alternatives to gasoline-powered cars. While the manufacture of EVs currently involves higher emissions, their total emissions over their lifetime depend on their usage. As electricity becomes cleaner through the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, EVs are expected to have lower emissions than gas cars across all 50 states in the US.
Additionally, modern vehicles are better equipped to maintain clean cabin air quality for their occupants. Cabin air filters, part of the vehicle's ventilation system, protect against relatively large particles like pollen and dust. However, they are less effective against smaller, submicrometer particles from vehicle emissions. Fan speed, ventilation mode, and cabin air recirculation settings can help improve in-cabin air quality and protect the respiratory health of drivers and passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cars burn gasoline or diesel, which releases carbon dioxide and other harmful gases. In the US, cars, trucks, and SUVs make up 57% of transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions.
Yes, the car cabin is like a box with small holes for gas exchange, so the air in the cabin will eventually be ventilated with the outside air. This means that the air inside the car can have higher levels of pollution than the air outside.
Toxic air pollution is passed through the air inlets inside cars. The air inlets are the openings in the car body that allow air to enter the cabin, such as the vents or the gaps around the windows.
The high levels of carbon dioxide inside the car can impair your attention and make you drowsy. Other harmful gases and pollutants can also have adverse health effects.
You can reduce the amount of traffic-related emissions entering your car by choosing less crowded routes and traveling during less congested times. Keeping the windows closed and recirculating cabin air when stuck in traffic can also help. Additionally, maintaining a clean and tidy car interior can reduce dust and other indoor air contaminants.
