Volvo claims to have cleaner air inside its vehicles

It has been established that one quarter of the global population is frequently breathing unhealthy air. In May this year, the WHO assessed Delhi to have the most polluted air amongst 1600 cities. As per a recent survey, New Delhi ranked first at 21% in the list of most polluted cities inIndia as far asair pollutionis concerned.Delhis air quality continues to deteriorate, with particulate matter (PM) levels crossing 700 micrograms per cubic metre nearly 12 times the permissible limit.

In its ongoing efforts to create awareness on creating sustainable eco system, Volvo cars organized a panel discussion today to deliberate on the ills of air pollution and make recommendations for sustainable solutions to it. The panel discussion was led by Andreas Andersson, Attribute Leader Environmental Impact, Volvo cars along with Dr. Radha Goyal, Head, Research and Development Division, Indian Pollution Control Association and Dr. Gita Gangadharan, ENT surgeon, Max Super Specialty Hospital.

CleanZone is Volvos unique approach to controlling interior air quality and providing a better driving environment through innovative solutions for enhanced wellbeing and health. Drivers can breathe easier because most microscopic, hazardous fine dust particles will now be prevented from entering the car.

In cars equipped with the new improved multi-filter, the amount of fine dust particles smaller than 0,4 ?m can be as much as 70% less than in a car without the filter, according to a standardized component test. This is a significant improvement as studies have shown that dust particles smaller than 10 m can cause a number of health problems, including difficulty breathing and lung infections. This multi filter has first been introduced in the all new XC 90. It features a larger design that intercepts more particulates and pollen, as well as a layer of active charcoal that effectively removes a host of contaminants that can impact the health of drivers.

Dr. Radha Goyal, Head, Research and Development Division, Indian Pollution Control Association said,The significant sources of air pollution in Delhi NCR are seems to be vehicular exhausts, construction activities, resuspension of dust and biomass burning. Delhi is also known as India's Asthma capital. As per an estimate, 80 million deaths per year in Delhi are due to air pollution. The specific mitigation measures that can be used are 'water spraying' on roads and footpaths particularly in vulnerable areas to dust, artificial grass on public footpaths to avoid resuspension of dust, strict follow of regulations at traffic interactions and heavy traffic roads, thick green belt at the periphery of the city and other vulnerable places and encouraging people to use more and more public transport systems.

The filter is one element of Volvos state-of-the-art Interior Air Quality System (IAQS). Another element is a sensor that monitors the incoming air for noxious substances. If the level of harmful substances becomes too high (such as when driving through a tunnel), the cars air intakes will automatically close. Together, the multi-filter and sensor keep out a number of harmful and irritating pollutants, including Nitrogen oxides, Hydrocarbons, Ground-level ozon, Gases and unpleasant odours

While unlocking the car by remote control, the remote cabin ventilation system automatically vents out the interior air within one minute, getting rid of odours and emissions before drivers enter. The work to minimize interior emissions begins long before the cars are even built, with strict controls on the substances that may be used inside the cars.