Drive for clean air works to filter asthma triggers

Photo / Supplied

Cars a cure for asthma? Yes, according to Volvo, which says its filters can remove air particles that cause allergies or trigger an asthma attack. Outside air passes through filters that remove offending particles, says Andreas Andersson, manager of allergy-optimised car interiors.

Andersson says the filters also neutralise offensive gases, with cabin air quality continually monitored. If the outside air isn't clean enough the car will automatically shut off intake, keeping the atmosphere inside cleaner than that outside.

A "clean zone" option uses easy-clean smooth surfaces in the cabin and materials like chromium-free leather chosen to avoid fumes, while an optional ventilation system for 60-series models and upwards will air a vehicle when it's unlocked.

If the temperature hits 10C, when the remote unlock is pressed a 60-second ventilation cycle approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy associations is made.

Volvo says its clean-air vehicles are part of its DRIVe Towards Zero programme that aims to develop cars devoid of harmful particles and C02 emissions. So far, only China regulates in-car air quality, while Japan follows suit for just its domestic models.