As early as the beginning of September, the State Environmental Protection Bureau informed the media that, according to preliminary analysis by experts, this year’s severe air pollution season is expected to arrive earlier than in previous years and will be even more intense. Recently, haze has started to make its appearance. According to the latest report from the Central Meteorological Observatory, strong cold air has brought smog back to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region on the 26th, with the capital city shrouded in fog and much of North China under a yellow warning for heavy haze. It's clear that winter will bring another round of air quality challenges.
When it comes to smog, the health risks are well-documented. A recent study published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)* found that air pollution has reduced life expectancy in northern China by an average of 5.5 years and significantly increased the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Given these dangers, taking effective protective measures—especially while driving—is more important than ever.
For vehicles, the air conditioning filter acts like a mask, preventing harmful particles, bacteria, and exhaust fumes from entering the cabin. With various types of filters available on the market, choosing the right one can make a big difference in your comfort and safety during smoggy days.
**1. Ordinary Filter Paper Type**
This type of filter uses folded non-woven fabric to trap airborne particles. While it provides basic filtration, it’s not very effective at removing PM2.5 or harmful gases like formaldehyde. These are typically the original equipment filters found in most cars.
**Advantages:** Low resistance, high airflow, affordable, and less likely to develop odors or bacterial growth.
**Disadvantages:** Poor filtration efficiency, especially against fine dust, germs, and pollutants.
**2. Activated Carbon Filter**
This filter combines a fiber layer with activated carbon, offering a dual-filtration system. The activated carbon helps absorb odors and harmful gases such as formaldehyde. It’s better than standard filters but still lacks the ability to capture PM2.5 effectively.
**Advantages:** Dual filtration, moisture-resistant, and good at odor removal.
**Disadvantages:** Limited airflow and poor performance against PM2.5 particles.
**3. HEPA Filter**
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters are designed to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them highly effective at filtering PM2.5. However, they don’t perform well when it comes to removing gaseous pollutants like formaldehyde.
**Advantages:** Excellent at capturing fine particulate matter.
**Disadvantages:** Not effective at filtering harmful gases.
**4. HEPA + Activated Carbon Filter**
This hybrid filter combines the best of both worlds: HEPA paper for particle filtration and activated carbon for gas absorption. The air first passes through the HEPA layer to remove PM2.5, then moves through the activated carbon to eliminate harmful gases before being released into the cabin.
**Advantages:** Multi-layer filtration, effective against both particulates and gases.
**Disadvantages:** Higher resistance, leading to reduced airflow.
Among all the options, the HEPA + activated carbon combination offers the most comprehensive protection. While it’s commonly found in mid-to-high-end models, some manufacturers have started incorporating this advanced technology into their vehicles. For example, the new Geely Emgrand features a four-layer activated carbon and HEPA filter system, which effectively removes PM2.5 and harmful gases like formaldehyde. With a 97% filtration rate for particles larger than PM2.5, it also includes plasma sterilization and negative ion technology for a fresher in-car environment.
With smog becoming a growing concern, now is the time to consider upgrading your car’s air conditioning filter. Ensuring clean air inside your vehicle can make a real difference in your health and comfort, especially during the polluted winter months.
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