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What are the common air pollutants in vehicles?

Nowadays, most of the vehicles in Hong Kong are air-conditioned. Air pollutants may accumulate to high levels in vehicle compartments if there is no adequate ventilation to dilute the pollutants, or when the air-conditioning systems of the vehicles are not properly maintained. Common air pollutants found inside vehicle compartments include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), tobacco smoke (or second-hand smoke), dust particles, and mould.

How do I know if there are vehicle air quality problems?

The following signs indicate there may be in-vehicle air quality problems:

1/. Irritation of eyes, nose and throat after getting into the vehicles;

2/. Smell of VOCs, tobacco smoke, or damp and mouldy odour;

3/. Feeling sleepy, dizzy, or headache after staying in the vehicle for a while

What are the causes of poor air quality inside vehicles?

1/. Vehicle exhaust containing CO, NOx, VOCs, and dust particles etc. from polluted roadside infiltrated into the vehicle compartment may make passengers feel unpleasant, or sometimes sick. The situation may worsen when the vehicles are stuck in the traffic jam, or passing through the vehicle tunnel, with the fresh air vents opened. 

2/. Some of the materials/accessories used in the vehicle compartments emit VOCs and other pollutants, for instance, new fittings such as fabric/plastic seats or carpets, air fresheners, seat polish, adhesives etc. This may cause headache, or irritation to eyes, noses and throats. 

3/. If the drivers or passengers smoke, cigarette smoke will not only add substantially to the level of air pollutants, such as VOCs, CO, and dust particles, the stinking odour may also linger inside the vehicle for a long period. 

4/. Other odour problems include the odourous goods brought on board or the body odour from the passengers.

Dirty filters inside air-conditioners and damp carpets may provide breeding ground for mould which may trigger allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals. 

5/. While carbon dioxide itself is not an air pollutant, an elevated level indicates that there is insufficient ventilation inside the vehicle.

What are the tips to improve in-vehicle air quality?

The following are some useful tips to help improve in-vehicle air quality:

1/. Open the fresh air vents or windows to introduce fresh air to the compartment but remember to close them when passing through the tunnels or traversing congested areas.

2/. Avoid closely following smoky vehicles wherever practicable.

3/. Do not smoke inside a vehicle.

4/. Drive in less congested areas or less congested lanes.

5/. Keep your vehicle compartments clean and dry.

6/. Keep your vehicle well tuned.

7/. For new vehicles, air out the compartments to minimise VOCs emission from new fittings by opening the doors/windows of the vehicles wherever practicable.

8/. Avoid using chemical based air fresheners as far as possible, and if really needed, observe manufacturers� guidelines and recommendations.

9/. Avoid using chemical agents with VOCs for cleaning of the fittings, panel, carpet, windows, and flooring of the compartment.

10/. Adequately ventilate the vehicle compartments by opening the doors/windows of the vehicles after the application of pesticides.

11/. Pack the odorous goods in airtight bag/ container before taking them into the vehicle.

12/. Remove and discard mouldy carpets. If possible, wipe the surfaces with diluted bleach solution.

13/. Switch off engine while waiting to help minimize permeation of exhaust gas into the compartment. This will also avoid polluting the outdoor environment.

14/. When servicing your vehicles in garage, request also the following service:

a) Clean and replace air filters.

b) Check any leakage of ducting and piping as exhaust gas will permeate into the vehicle compartment if leakage of ducting or piping occurs