Abstract
A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate 11 vehicular cabin filters (including electrostatic filters) in removing fine particles. Two filters with charcoal were also evaluated to understand their usefulness in removing five common volatile organic compounds, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX). Filters were found to show considerably different particle filtration efficiencies (FE). Electrostatic filters were found to provide 20–60% better FE across all particle diameters (6–520 nm). For 6 nm particles, FE from 78 to 94% were observed (from the worst to the best filters), while at 520 nm, FE varied from 35 to 60%. The best group of filters provided 44–46% FE for capturing the most penetrating particles (100–300 nm), while the worst group of filters provided only 10–11% FE. The filtration behavior of nominal filters was typically stable (with respect to particle number, black carbon, and particulate matter mass) over the course of 1–2 years of usage. The benefits of the electrostatic filters were significant, but such advantages were observed to gradually dissipate over the course of about 1 year; by then, the electrostatic filter becomes no different compared to a nominal filter in terms of filtration behavior. Charcoal filters showed variabilities in removing BTEX, and removal efficiencies varied from 11 to 41%.
Highlights
Toxicological and epidemiological studies showed that the short- and long-term exposure of various levels of particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) is linked to acute respiratory system responses and even mortality [1,2,3,4,5]
Commuters who are riding on public transportation, driving in personal vehicles, or even walking or cycling in the vicinity of urban areas are exposed to various degrees of pollutants [11,12,13]
The concentration and the size of the particles produced from the miniCAST were reasonably stable during the course of the experiment, and Figure 2 provides a typical time series of the particle number concentration, BC, and PM mass observed during one typical experiment
Summary
Toxicological and epidemiological studies showed that the short- and long-term exposure of various levels of particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) is linked to acute respiratory system responses (e.g., allergy, asthma, and inflammation) and even mortality [1,2,3,4,5]. Various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, are known human carcinogens [6,7]. Diesel and gasoline vehicles are known sources of PM, BC, and VOCs, and they contribute significantly to air quality and climate issues in urban areas as well as regions downwind of urban areas [8,9]. 4–7% of their daily time in, on, or near-road locations, which is mainly associated with being in a vehicle [10]. Commuters who are riding on public transportation, driving in personal vehicles, or even walking or cycling in the vicinity of urban areas are exposed to various degrees of pollutants [11,12,13]. In-cabin exposure to particles and gaseous pollutants is a concern, during rush hours on congested freeway or local roads
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