Filter manufacturer Mann+Hummel has developed a new generation of cabin filters which ensures almost 100 percent removal of even the tiniest particulate matter (PM), which is particularly hazardous to health.

According to a warning issued by the European Environment Agency, particulate matter is the air pollutant that poses the greatest health risk to people in Europe. The scene is no different in other parts of the world, including India.

Particulate matter (PM) is a term which 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, 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," explains the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA). 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.

To protect vehicle occupants, Mann+Hummel says it has developed cabin filters equipped with the latest-generation, highly efficient filter media. The numerous cabin filters which can be relied on to trap particulate matter include the ‘CUK 26 009’ combined filter and the ‘CU 26 009’ particle filter, which can be used as an alternative in certain vehicle models. Mann-Filter supplies both particle and combined filters in original equipment quality to the independent aftermarket.

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 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 company’s latest-generation cabin filters ensure that the incoming air is purified particularly thoroughly. The smallest particles with a diameter of 1.0 micron, which are particularly hazardous to health, are removed entirely by the CU 26 009 particle filter for example, and removed with an effectiveness of 99 percent by the CUK 26 009 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, however, 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.

Images: A Mann+Hummel cabin filter and comparison of particulate matter size.