Any slight mention of an upcoming haze season will likely send Singaporeans into an N95 mask buying frenzy. However, stocking up on N95 masks for the annual haze season is understandable as they do an exceptional job of filtering out pollutants from our surroundings and provide us with clean, breathable air.
These harmful particles may lead to increased chances of respiratory and cardiovascular related problems, especially among children and the elderly.
N95 masks work great but they can be cumbersome at times. Wouldn't it be nice to not have to cover your face everywhere you go, especially in your car?
Get an air purifier for your car so you always get clean, fresh air
You've probably already heard of vehicle air purifiers. 3M Singapore - the company that brought you Post-it® Notes, Scotch-Brite® Scour Pads and N95 masks, amongst other things - has now introduced its very own vehicle air purifier.
The 3M™ Vehicle Air Purifier Plus filters out 99 percent of dust, pet dander and PM2.5 particles, which come from sources such as haze, vehicle exhaust, as well as dust and air pollution. PM2.5 refers to atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) that has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, which is about three percent the diameter of a human hair.
In addition, germs and allergens such as dust mites and cockroach waste, which may trigger respiratory symptoms faced by asthma sufferers, will be eliminated.
It also removes 93 percent of harmful gases in your car and effectively cleans cars of various sizes, ranging from sedans to sport utility vehicles and even multi-purpose vehicles.
Formaldehyde - a cancer-causing carcinogen found in air fresheners and fragrances, vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, as well as certain interior upholstery - is removed by the 3M™ Vehicle Air Purifier Plus.
Clearing the air
The effectiveness of air purifiers is based on a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). CADR is the measure of an air cleaner's delivery of particle-free air and is calculated by independent lab tests. Put simply, the higher the CADR, the more quickly the unit can purify air.
In this case, the 3M™ Vehicle Air Purifier Plus has a CADR of 11m³/H for dust particles and 10m³/H for formaldehyde particles.
3M has come up with several filtration methods to make its product an air-purifying beast. The first of which is 3M Electrostatic Electret Technology, which captures hair, pet dander and other large dust particles. PM2.5 particles are filtered out through 3M Non-Woven Technology while odour and harmful volatile organic compounds are removed via catalytic activated carbon. The 3M™ Vehicle Air Purifier Plus also features high formaldehyde removal, which effectively removes the cancer-causing carcinogen.
Give me the deets
Measuring in at 206mm x 176mm x 73mm (L x W x H) and weighing 580g, the 3M™ Vehicle Air Purifier Plus comes in a relatively compact package. It can be placed on the dashboard, centre console and even on the rear shelf. The manufacturer says these are the most ideal locations for optimal air circulation and doesn't recommend placing the air purifier under the front seats.
A smart sensor panel automatically adjusts the purification rate based on the air quality within your car to maximise the use of each filter cartridge. For optimal use, a filter replacement indicator reminds you when it is time to change your filter cartridge - approximately every six to nine months.
The 3M™ Vehicle Air Purifier Plus is available in black for now, and comes with an anti-slip pad, in-car power cable, as well as an attachment belt straight out of the box. It runs on a 12V source, has a rated power output of 37W and emits less than 55dB of noise.
For more information or to purchase the 3M™ Vehicle Air Purifier Plus, please visit Lazada.sg or Qoo10.sg.
