|
|
(NAPSI)-Drivers and passengers may now breathe a little easier when sitting in heavy traffic. Automobile manufacturers have begun installing cabin air filters-which work much like the furnace or air-conditioning filters found in most homes-to significantly reduce the amount of carbon monoxide, mold spores and other dangerous contaminants found in many vehicles.
The U.S. Car Care Council says these types of contaminants can be six times more concentrated in a car than outside the vehicle. For drivers and passengers, breathing these pollutants can be unpleasant-even dangerous, especially for young children, senior citizens and those with asthma, allergies, respiratory problems or weakened pulmonary systems.
According to Ramon Nunez, director of filter product management for Purolator automotive filters, cabin air filters typically contain an electrostatically charged microfiber material capable of trapping particles such as pollen, dust, mold spores, soot, smog, fungus mildew, tobacco smoke and other particulates before they enter a vehicle. Many cabin air filters also include an activated carbon layer for filtering out noxious gases and odors.
Once found only in high-end European cars, cabin air filters are now used in about 30 million domestic automobiles and will be standard equipment in about 80 percent of the automobiles produced each year by 2006. Most 2001 or later-model vehicles have them.
"It's really a matter of common sense," says James L. Sublett, M.D., a board-certified allergist. "If we're concerned about the quality of air in our homes, we should be equally or more concerned about the air we're breathing in our vehicles."
That's because pollen, dust, molds and other particulates that trigger allergy, asthma and other respiratory-related symptoms almost always originate outdoors. In test studies, cars without cabin air filters contained more than eight times the carbon monoxide levels and over 40 percent greater concentrations of mold spores inside the cabin than vehicles with the filters.
If your car has a cabin air filter, Nunez recommends it be replaced every 12,000 to 18,000 miles. It's usually a fairly simple process, and cabin air filters can be purchased at just about any auto parts store.
For more information about cabin air filters and to learn if your vehicle uses this kind of filter, visit www.pureoil.com, an auto parts store or your auto service technician.
Cabin air filters help protect drivers and passengers by reducing airborne pollutants in the car.