With AQI figures crossing four digits in New Delhi, the furore over citizens inhaling 'poison' has reached an all-time high. Other parts of India also faced similar conditions with the onset of winter, with vehicular pollution being one of the major contributors to degrading air quality in the country. While many might think that being inside their vehicles might save them from pollution, it might not always be true. Here is why:
Can Car Air Purifiers save you from toxic air?
While commuters might believe that being inside cars can protect them from pollution, the reality is on the contrary. Emissions from other vehicles, added with dust and chemicals can make the air inside your cabin more toxic than the pollution outside. Being stuck in traffic for a long time can initially lead to headaches and irritation in the eyes and throat, and subsequently create long-term health issues like triggering of asthma-related problems, heart issues and even cancer. Sitting inside a car in a city like Delhi can amount to consumption of air comparable to smoking 20-40 cigarettes a day, as per The Mint's report.
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The installation of car air purifiers can improve the quality of air you breathe inside your vehicle, as they are designed to filter airborne particulate matter and a number of gases, and purifier models with HEPA and activated carbon filters can capture even finer floating particles and pollen, along with volatile compounds.
When car air purifiers are used in tandem with the vehicle's air conditioner set on recirculation mode, the air quality in the cabin can be improved as it won't allow outside air to enter.
Where to install car air purifiers?
Car air purifiers must be installed near spots with a continual flow of air, like near the central console or air conditioning ducts. Placing it elsewhere might not yield appropriate results.
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Tips to use Car Air Purifiers
1. Use the recirculation mode in your car's air conditioning to prevent outside air from entering your vehicle.
2. Use high-quality filters like HEPA or those with activated carbon to prevent finer particles from entering.
3. Replace filters twice or thrice every year, and prevent dust buildup by cleaning the exterior of the vehicle.
4. Keep windows closed wherever possible.
While air purifiers aren't the answer to constantly degrading air quality across India, they can definitely prove to be a feasible option in protecting your lungs from vehicular pollution and other toxins in the air as you drive.
