This may sound like a bold statement, but according to the European Environment Agency, "Particulate matter is the air pollutant that poses the greatest health risk to people in Europe."

 

This warning is supported by UBA the German Federal Environment Agency, which has calculated that, on average, some 47,000 people die prematurely in Germany every year as a result of particulate pollution. The organisation warns that air pollution can result in acute respiratory disease, heart and lung disease or lung cancer.

 

Particulate matter (PM) is a term that refers to tiny particles in the air, which do not immediately sink to the ground but remain suspended in the atmosphere for a period of time. These are produced, for example, through brake and tyre dust on roads, diesel emissions, or from domestic heating systems. The smaller the particle, the greater the health hazard. The problem is that small particles penetrate deeper into the airways than larger particles. This means that they reach areas where they cannot be breathed out again. Particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) can thus penetrate deep into the lungs. Ultra-fine particles can even enter the bloodstream via the pulmonary alveoli.

 

MANN-FILTER takes these health warnings very seriously and to protect vehicle occupants, the company has developed cabin filters equipped with the latest-generation, highly efficient filter media. These filters trap particulate matter and keep in car air clean and safe. MANN-FILTER supplies both particle and combined filters in original equipment quality to the independent aftermarket.

 

Smaller particles = greater danger    

A vehicle's ventilation system acts like a vacuum cleaner, drawing in polluted outside air. Around 540,000 litres enter a car interior every hour. It is therefore essential to use a high quality cabin filter to thoroughly purify this outside air in order to protect the health of vehicle occupants. This holds true particularly in the case of frequent car travellers, those who suffer from allergies and children. The latest-generation cabin filters from MANN-FILTER ensure that the incoming air is purified very thoroughly. The smallest particles with a diameter of 1.0 micron, which are particularly hazardous to health, are removed entirely by the particle filter and removed with an effectiveness of 99% by the combined filter. By way of comparison, these particles are up to 70 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair. Particle filters trap solid particles such as particulate matter or pollen, whereas combined filters incorporate an activated carbon layer, which means that they can also eliminate harmful gases such as ozone and benzene, as well as unpleasant odours. It is normally easy to upgrade to a combined filter.

 

In the course of normal use, the filter medium gradually becomes clogged. To maintain proper air purification, the cabin filter should therefore be replaced once a year or every 15,000 kilometres at the latest.

 

Fit or supply a cabin filter with every service kit. It could be a lifesaver.