How Automotive Air Quality Affects Health

How Automotive Air Quality Affects Health

Air—so easy to take for granted, especially inside your car. But what if the air you’re breathing during that daily commute or cross-country road trip isn’t as clean as you think? It’s time to buckle up and explore how automotive air quality affects health, and why your car cabin might not be as safe a sanctuary as you assume.

The Invisible Passenger: Understanding In-Car Air Pollution

Microparticles on the Move

Traffic is more than just noise and frustration—it’s a moving cloud of microscopic pollutants. Cars emit particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO). These invisible irritants seep into your vehicle every time you drive through congested streets.

Air Recirculation vs. Fresh Air

Most cars come with ventilation settings that let you choose between fresh outside air and recirculated air. Recirculating air reduces the intake of outdoor pollutants, but over time, … Read the rest