Wildfires in Canada have been causing smoke to drift into the United States, leading to concerns about air pollution. People are now wondering if using the recirculate button in their cars can help protect them from the outside air when it’s smoky. In this article, we will explore whether activating the recirculate button can indeed reduce air pollution inside your vehicle. We will also discuss other measures recommended by experts to safeguard against poor air quality.
Contents
How the Recirculate Button Works:
Car experts confirm that the recirculate button, usually represented by an arrow turning around inside a car-shaped icon, recycles the air already inside the vehicle instead of pulling in fresh air from outside. When the air quality is poor or smoky, pressing this button can help prevent outside air pollution from entering your car.
The Effectiveness of the Recirculate Button:
Although not foolproof, the recirculate button can provide temporary relief by keeping out most contaminants. According to Rob Poinsett, an auto body technician at Team Collision Center of Ewing in New Jersey, using the recirculate button is not a guaranteed solution but can still be effective in reducing air pollution inside the vehicle.
Supporting Research:
A study published in 2013 in the Environmental Science & Technology journal examined the impact of air pollution inside vehicles. The researchers found that using the recirculate button can decrease the driver’s exposure to outside air pollution to approximately 20% of on-road levels. This means that activating the recirculate button can help keep about 80% of pollutants outside the car.
Additional Benefits:
Aside from reducing air pollution, there are other advantages to using the recirculate button. It helps the air conditioner work more efficiently, allowing the cabin to cool down quickly. The recirculate button also helps minimize the entry of pollen into the vehicle, preventing potential allergic reactions. Furthermore, it can act as a barrier against unpleasant outdoor odors. Another advantage is that it helps maintain the cleanliness of your car’s air filter, prolonging its lifespan.
Expert Recommendations:
Although the recirculate button can be helpful, health experts from the University of Rochester Medical Center suggest additional measures to protect yourself from poor air quality:
- Stay indoors whenever possible: If the air quality is compromised, it’s best to remain inside as much as you can. This helps minimize your exposure to harmful pollutants.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities: Engaging in vigorous exercise or activities that require heavy breathing can lead to increased inhalation of pollutants. It’s advisable to limit these activities during periods of poor air quality.
- Use N95 masks or respirators: When going outside, especially in highly polluted areas, wearing masks specifically designed to filter out fine particles can provide additional protection.
- Consider indoor air cleaners: If feasible, using indoor air cleaners with high-efficiency filters can help improve the air quality within your living spaces.
Monitoring Air Quality:
To stay informed about the air quality in your area, it’s recommended to visit reliable sources like AirNow.gov. These platforms provide real-time updates and offer guidance on how to protect yourself during periods of poor air quality.
Conclusion:
Using the recirculate button in your car can indeed help reduce air pollution inside the vehicle during smoky conditions. While it is not a foolproof solution, research suggests that it can significantly decrease exposure to outside air pollutants. Additionally, activating the recirculate button provides other benefits such as improved air conditioner performance, reduced pollen infiltration, prevention of outdoor odors, and cleaner air filters. However, it’s important to remember that other measures like staying indoors, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, wearing masks, and utilizing indoor air cleaners are also crucial for safeguarding your health in
