Study of real time impact on automotive cabin Air Quality due to the ambient air pollution in the severely polluted city

This study investigates the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 inside an automobile under real-world driving conditions in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities globally. India faces severe air pollution challenges in many cities, including Delhi, which are consistently ranking among the most polluted cities in the world. Major contributors to this pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and biomass burning. Exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 has been linked to numerous adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and premature mortality. PM2.5 particles, being smaller, can penetrate deeper into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing more severe health issues. In big cities like Delhi, long driving times exacerbate exposure to these pollutants, as commuters spend extended periods in traffic. Measurements were taken both inside and outside the vehicle to assess the real-world impact of various scenarios encountered in real world, viz. driving, doors/windows opening (e.g. at tolls), overnight soaking, and running the vehicle in fresh mode. All the above scenarios were tested with a PM 2.5 filter installed in the car. The results indicate significant variations in particulate matter concentrations in different scenarios, highlighting the importance efficient in-vehicle air quality management. This research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of PM2.5 filters and the potential health implications for commuters in highly polluted urban environments.