Development and Application of SAE J3260 & J3290 Recommended Practice for Minimizing Spread of Infections in Motor Vehicles

In response to COVID pandemic, and at the persistent urging of the late Ward Atkinson, long-time SAE leader in Interior Climate Control Committees, the SAE Cabin Disinfection Practices Committee was formed in May 2021. Towards that end, two SAE J-standards have been produced by this committee: SAE J3260, Identification of Acceptable Cleaning and Disinfection Products for Vehicle Interior Surfaces and Exterior Touch Points, and SAE J3290, Selection and Use of Technologies and Methods for Vehicle Cabin Air Disinfection. This SAE paper will unpack the background and application of these J-Standards to minimize the probability of spreading of infection during the operation of motor vehicles while in normal operation, before and after vehicle servicing, and when in use as paid-for-hire operation - for both ‘normal’ environmental conditions, and during times of pandemic emergencies. Additionally, recent advances in air and surface disinfection technologies—including methods relevant to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)—are summarized to provide context for future automotive cabin hygiene strategies.