(NewsUSA) - Americans spend a combined 3.7 billion hours in traffic each year -; a key factor in the automotive industry's decision to increase the number of vehicles equipped with cabin air filtration systems.
"Cabin air filters are designed to protect passengers from harmful airborne pathogens by capturing contaminants such as soot, dirt, pollen and other pollutants that enter a vehicle through its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system," said Paul Bandoly, manager of technical services for WIX Filters, whose cabin air filters are found on everything from cars to 18-wheelers to NASCAR racecars.
As the concern over air pollution and its impact on drivers and passengers has grown in recent years, the number of cars and trucks with cabin air filtration systems has also increased steadily.
Today, more than 80 percent of all new import and domestic vehicles sold in the U.S. have a cabin air filter or a slot where one can be installed. To determine whether your vehicle has a cabin air filter and to find its location, check your owner's manual or ask a service technician. Usually, cabin air filters are found behind the glove box, under the dash or under the hood.
According to a survey conducted by the Dohring Co., one of North America's largest providers of market research to the retail automotive community, 85 percent of respondents are concerned about the health effects of exhaust fumes and vapors while driving.
Nearly half of the respondents expressed concerns with pollen, allergens, germs, dust particles, odors and smog, while an overwhelming 95 percent of respondents worried about air pollutants within their own vehicles.
One way that commuters are combating these harmful particles in the air is by taking advantage of new cabin air filtration technology, such as WIX Cabin Air Filters with Bioshield 75.
WIX's new cabin air filters come coated with Bioshield 75, a patented EPA-registered product that kills an amazingly wide array of bacteria, mold, mildew, and algae, preventing deterioration and odor caused by germs.
"Vehicle recommendations vary, but general guidelines suggest replacing cabin air filters every 12,000 - 15,000 miles or once a year," added Bandoly.
For more information about WIX Cabin Air Filters with BioShield 75, please visit www.wixfilters.com.
