Cabin air filters are the main barrier against nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, preventing drivers from potentially dangerous irritations and discomfort. Filtration specialist Mann+Hummel believes it has the ideal solution.
The combustion of diesel fuel in the vehicle engine at high temperatures produces various pollutants, such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are released into the atmosphere via the exhaust gases. Each hour, several hundred thousand litres of this polluted outside air pass through the vehicle’s ventilation system into the interior, bringing with them particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful gases that pose a threat to the health of the vehicle’s occupants. This means that the air in the interior of the vehicle is often much more polluted than the ambient air.
Thorough purification of the outside air by means of a cabin air filter is therefore essential, especially for frequent drivers, allergy sufferers, and children. Filtration specialist Mann+Hummel has developed effective protection against harmful gases and particulate matter with its Mann-Filter cabin air filters with activated carbon.
The activated carbon in the brand’s combined filters and FreciousPlus cabin air filters reduces the nitrogen oxide concentration in the vehicle interior to almost zero. The CUK 31 003 combined filter, for example, removes 95% of the toxic gas, which is reported to greatly reduce nitrogen oxide concentration in the vehicle interior. This combined filter is available for various Audi models.
Breathing in nitrogen oxides in high concentrations can irritate mucous membranes and cause shortness of breath and pulmonary edema. People with chronic respiratory diseases in particular, for example asthmatics or allergy sufferers, have to contend with increased pollutant concentrations. There is also a link between nitrogen oxides and cardiovascular diseases.
An hourly average value of 200 micrograms per cubic metre of air is defined throughout Europe for nitrogen dioxide, which belongs to the nitrogen oxides family. This limit may be exceeded 18 times during the calendar year. The annual limit is 40 micrograms per cubic metre of air. However, these limits are exceeded in many European cities, resulting in high nitrogen dioxide values regularly polluting the air.
Another factor is particulate matter containing particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres. Its sources include the abrasion of tyres and brake disks. These minute particles can penetrate deep into the lungs. Ultrafine particles can even enter the bloodstream via the pulmonary alveoli and can cause respiratory diseases and cancer.
To prevent any of the above from becoming a serious threat to your customers, it is important to change cabin air filters in accordance with the service schedule to ensure proper air purification in the vehicle interior.
