Scientific studies have shown that drivers and passengers inside the car cabin are exposed
to a significantly higher concentration of hazardous air toxics than pedestrians!
Air in car cabins is polluted from both outside and within.
Each year, millions of tons of air toxics or air pollutants are released into the environment all over the world. These can come from man-made sources, like vehicle emissions, factories, refineries and power plants, or from natural sources like forest fires. Of these, vehicle emissions are the largest culprit, polluting the air through combustion and fuel evaporation.
The types of pollutants vehicles emit are:
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Particulate matters: Some are seen as soot or smoke but are generally smaller than 2.5 microns and invisible to the naked eye, hence also known as PM 2.5. They contribute to haze in the air. These can reach the deepest regions of the lungs and cause asthma, breathing difficulties or bronchitis. Fine particulate matters associated with diesel exhaust are a highly hazardous air toxic and is linked to lung cancer. |
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Hydrocarbons: These emissions result from incomplete fuel combustion and fuel evaporation and are key components of smog. They can cause breathing difficulties, lung damage, and reduced cardiovascular functioning. A number of hydrocarbons are also linked to cancer. |
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Nitrogen oxides: These are formed when fuel is burned at high temperatures, such as in vehicle engines. They can create smog or particulate matters. They can also travel long distances, causing health problems in areas far away from the original emission. |
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Carbon monoxide: About 95% of carbon monoxide originates from vehicle emissions. It reduces oxygen delivery to the body's organs and tissues and aggravates the condition of those suffering from heart and respiratory disease. Unlike many other air pollutants, carbon monoxide levels in the outdoors typically peak during cooler months. |
a)whenever windows are wound down
b)whenever doors are opened
c)when driving with open air vent
d)through infiltration
e)via exhaust intrusion (applies to older cars)
The level of pollution is highest in dense and heavy traffic urban areas. When pollutants enter the car cabin, the air toxic concentration begins to build up in minutes especially when the air-conditioning system is operating under 100% recycled air.
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