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what kind of car do you have?

folione

New member
Nightwriter - you said you keep the "recycle" button on. In my car, when you do that the air does NOT travel through the filter. The filter is on the fresh air intake. Recycling just churns cabin air through the AC/heat unit and blows it back out. I only use recycle if we're driving by something smelly (like a smoker at a stoplight). But I have no idea if other cars are the same (mine's a VW).
 

folione

New member
Nightwriter - you said you keep the "recycle" button on. In my car, when you do that the air does NOT travel through the filter. The filter is on the fresh air intake. Recycling just churns cabin air through the AC/heat unit and blows it back out. I only use recycle if we're driving by something smelly (like a smoker at a stoplight). But I have no idea if other cars are the same (mine's a VW).
 

folione

New member
Nightwriter - you said you keep the "recycle" button on. In my car, when you do that the air does NOT travel through the filter. The filter is on the fresh air intake. Recycling just churns cabin air through the AC/heat unit and blows it back out. I only use recycle if we're driving by something smelly (like a smoker at a stoplight). But I have no idea if other cars are the same (mine's a VW).
 

folione

New member
Nightwriter - you said you keep the "recycle" button on. In my car, when you do that the air does NOT travel through the filter. The filter is on the fresh air intake. Recycling just churns cabin air through the AC/heat unit and blows it back out. I only use recycle if we're driving by something smelly (like a smoker at a stoplight). But I have no idea if other cars are the same (mine's a VW).
 

folione

New member
Nightwriter - you said you keep the "recycle" button on. In my car, when you do that the air does NOT travel through the filter. The filter is on the fresh air intake. Recycling just churns cabin air through the AC/heat unit and blows it back out. I only use recycle if we're driving by something smelly (like a smoker at a stoplight). But I have no idea if other cars are the same (mine's a VW).
<br />
 

Nightwriter

New member
By the time you are smelling the exhaust, it is too late. The particulates are in the car and in your lungs. My doctor says even before you smell it, it is in the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution -- that's why my why doctor wants my car on recycle and to get an external HEPA air filter. She does not want ANY exposure from trucks in particular entering the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution

My doctor has a study that shows how dangerous diesel exhaust is because the particulates are very small and cause lung damage. The study even showed that even with the usual car filters, the diesel exhaust enters the car in small amounts and does lung damage. I am sure you saw all those studies about school kids and lung problems from riding school buses about a year ago.

I have a separate button that blocks outside air in my car, plus I put it on recycle. I wish that were enough. The problem really is when you are traveling for lengths of time on the highway behind trucks. While breathing in ANY exhaust is terrible, the people who suffer the results the most are people who drive a lot as part of their jobs.

It sounds like the makers of some new cars are really trying to put in better filtration systems.

The bottom line is this at least. If someone is getting sick and wants to make changes, this is an area. This past year, I have been ultra sensitive and having consequences, so I started looking into adding a HEPA type filter for the car. I did find one on-line for $189. The micron size is .03. I found a better filter for filtering micron size of .01 (like I said diesel particulates are very small) which is made for travel but it needs an inverter. But it can also be used in motel rooms. Motel room air with the carpets and disinfectants is another whole problem!

It's all so frustrating.
 

Nightwriter

New member
By the time you are smelling the exhaust, it is too late. The particulates are in the car and in your lungs. My doctor says even before you smell it, it is in the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution -- that's why my why doctor wants my car on recycle and to get an external HEPA air filter. She does not want ANY exposure from trucks in particular entering the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution

My doctor has a study that shows how dangerous diesel exhaust is because the particulates are very small and cause lung damage. The study even showed that even with the usual car filters, the diesel exhaust enters the car in small amounts and does lung damage. I am sure you saw all those studies about school kids and lung problems from riding school buses about a year ago.

I have a separate button that blocks outside air in my car, plus I put it on recycle. I wish that were enough. The problem really is when you are traveling for lengths of time on the highway behind trucks. While breathing in ANY exhaust is terrible, the people who suffer the results the most are people who drive a lot as part of their jobs.

It sounds like the makers of some new cars are really trying to put in better filtration systems.

The bottom line is this at least. If someone is getting sick and wants to make changes, this is an area. This past year, I have been ultra sensitive and having consequences, so I started looking into adding a HEPA type filter for the car. I did find one on-line for $189. The micron size is .03. I found a better filter for filtering micron size of .01 (like I said diesel particulates are very small) which is made for travel but it needs an inverter. But it can also be used in motel rooms. Motel room air with the carpets and disinfectants is another whole problem!

It's all so frustrating.
 

Nightwriter

New member
By the time you are smelling the exhaust, it is too late. The particulates are in the car and in your lungs. My doctor says even before you smell it, it is in the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution -- that's why my why doctor wants my car on recycle and to get an external HEPA air filter. She does not want ANY exposure from trucks in particular entering the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution

My doctor has a study that shows how dangerous diesel exhaust is because the particulates are very small and cause lung damage. The study even showed that even with the usual car filters, the diesel exhaust enters the car in small amounts and does lung damage. I am sure you saw all those studies about school kids and lung problems from riding school buses about a year ago.

I have a separate button that blocks outside air in my car, plus I put it on recycle. I wish that were enough. The problem really is when you are traveling for lengths of time on the highway behind trucks. While breathing in ANY exhaust is terrible, the people who suffer the results the most are people who drive a lot as part of their jobs.

It sounds like the makers of some new cars are really trying to put in better filtration systems.

The bottom line is this at least. If someone is getting sick and wants to make changes, this is an area. This past year, I have been ultra sensitive and having consequences, so I started looking into adding a HEPA type filter for the car. I did find one on-line for $189. The micron size is .03. I found a better filter for filtering micron size of .01 (like I said diesel particulates are very small) which is made for travel but it needs an inverter. But it can also be used in motel rooms. Motel room air with the carpets and disinfectants is another whole problem!

It's all so frustrating.
 

Nightwriter

New member
By the time you are smelling the exhaust, it is too late. The particulates are in the car and in your lungs. My doctor says even before you smell it, it is in the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution -- that's why my why doctor wants my car on recycle and to get an external HEPA air filter. She does not want ANY exposure from trucks in particular entering the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution

My doctor has a study that shows how dangerous diesel exhaust is because the particulates are very small and cause lung damage. The study even showed that even with the usual car filters, the diesel exhaust enters the car in small amounts and does lung damage. I am sure you saw all those studies about school kids and lung problems from riding school buses about a year ago.

I have a separate button that blocks outside air in my car, plus I put it on recycle. I wish that were enough. The problem really is when you are traveling for lengths of time on the highway behind trucks. While breathing in ANY exhaust is terrible, the people who suffer the results the most are people who drive a lot as part of their jobs.

It sounds like the makers of some new cars are really trying to put in better filtration systems.

The bottom line is this at least. If someone is getting sick and wants to make changes, this is an area. This past year, I have been ultra sensitive and having consequences, so I started looking into adding a HEPA type filter for the car. I did find one on-line for $189. The micron size is .03. I found a better filter for filtering micron size of .01 (like I said diesel particulates are very small) which is made for travel but it needs an inverter. But it can also be used in motel rooms. Motel room air with the carpets and disinfectants is another whole problem!

It's all so frustrating.
 

Nightwriter

New member
By the time you are smelling the exhaust, it is too late. The particulates are in the car and in your lungs. My doctor says even before you smell it, it is in the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution -- that's why my why doctor wants my car on recycle and to get an external HEPA air filter. She does not want ANY exposure from trucks in particular entering the car. I don't think there is an ideal solution
<br />
<br />My doctor has a study that shows how dangerous diesel exhaust is because the particulates are very small and cause lung damage. The study even showed that even with the usual car filters, the diesel exhaust enters the car in small amounts and does lung damage. I am sure you saw all those studies about school kids and lung problems from riding school buses about a year ago.
<br />
<br />I have a separate button that blocks outside air in my car, plus I put it on recycle. I wish that were enough. The problem really is when you are traveling for lengths of time on the highway behind trucks. While breathing in ANY exhaust is terrible, the people who suffer the results the most are people who drive a lot as part of their jobs.
<br />
<br />It sounds like the makers of some new cars are really trying to put in better filtration systems.
<br />
<br />The bottom line is this at least. If someone is getting sick and wants to make changes, this is an area. This past year, I have been ultra sensitive and having consequences, so I started looking into adding a HEPA type filter for the car. I did find one on-line for $189. The micron size is .03. I found a better filter for filtering micron size of .01 (like I said diesel particulates are very small) which is made for travel but it needs an inverter. But it can also be used in motel rooms. Motel room air with the carpets and disinfectants is another whole problem!
<br />
<br />It's all so frustrating.
 

AnD

New member
Ummm, actually, ALWAYS using the recirculate button can cause your A/C system to grow molds and mildew (been there, done that)...leaving it on fresh so the system gets dried out on a regular basis is better for the air quality in your vehicle, especially if you have allergies to these. I use my recirculate button only when I need it, like if I am behind a smoking dumptruck, stuck in close traffic or passing someone mowing their lawn in a dust cloud, etc., but the majority of the time, I leave it on fresh. My 2000 minivan has a good, replaceable air filter, so I imagine that any newer car should have one by now? lol. If I remember right, I can also get an upgraded replacement filter for my van (found it *after* my dh replaced it last time, of course!).

I too would stay away from anything with an ionizer, based on the info I was given when looking for an air cleaner for my bedroom. Plus, both my MIL and my ENT's office have one running all the time, and the smell from them bothers me...

Good luck on the new car! If I wasn't getting an other minivan, I'd want a Toyota Venza! Lol <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> .

One thing I know I drive the used car salespeople nuts with is this request "I need someone, WHO IS A NONSMOKER, to go and crank the car, get in, turn on the a/c, and smell the vent and let me know if it smells at all like cig smoke". <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">
 

AnD

New member
Ummm, actually, ALWAYS using the recirculate button can cause your A/C system to grow molds and mildew (been there, done that)...leaving it on fresh so the system gets dried out on a regular basis is better for the air quality in your vehicle, especially if you have allergies to these. I use my recirculate button only when I need it, like if I am behind a smoking dumptruck, stuck in close traffic or passing someone mowing their lawn in a dust cloud, etc., but the majority of the time, I leave it on fresh. My 2000 minivan has a good, replaceable air filter, so I imagine that any newer car should have one by now? lol. If I remember right, I can also get an upgraded replacement filter for my van (found it *after* my dh replaced it last time, of course!).

I too would stay away from anything with an ionizer, based on the info I was given when looking for an air cleaner for my bedroom. Plus, both my MIL and my ENT's office have one running all the time, and the smell from them bothers me...

Good luck on the new car! If I wasn't getting an other minivan, I'd want a Toyota Venza! Lol <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> .

One thing I know I drive the used car salespeople nuts with is this request "I need someone, WHO IS A NONSMOKER, to go and crank the car, get in, turn on the a/c, and smell the vent and let me know if it smells at all like cig smoke". <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">
 

AnD

New member
Ummm, actually, ALWAYS using the recirculate button can cause your A/C system to grow molds and mildew (been there, done that)...leaving it on fresh so the system gets dried out on a regular basis is better for the air quality in your vehicle, especially if you have allergies to these. I use my recirculate button only when I need it, like if I am behind a smoking dumptruck, stuck in close traffic or passing someone mowing their lawn in a dust cloud, etc., but the majority of the time, I leave it on fresh. My 2000 minivan has a good, replaceable air filter, so I imagine that any newer car should have one by now? lol. If I remember right, I can also get an upgraded replacement filter for my van (found it *after* my dh replaced it last time, of course!).

I too would stay away from anything with an ionizer, based on the info I was given when looking for an air cleaner for my bedroom. Plus, both my MIL and my ENT's office have one running all the time, and the smell from them bothers me...

Good luck on the new car! If I wasn't getting an other minivan, I'd want a Toyota Venza! Lol <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> .

One thing I know I drive the used car salespeople nuts with is this request "I need someone, WHO IS A NONSMOKER, to go and crank the car, get in, turn on the a/c, and smell the vent and let me know if it smells at all like cig smoke". <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">
 

AnD

New member
Ummm, actually, ALWAYS using the recirculate button can cause your A/C system to grow molds and mildew (been there, done that)...leaving it on fresh so the system gets dried out on a regular basis is better for the air quality in your vehicle, especially if you have allergies to these. I use my recirculate button only when I need it, like if I am behind a smoking dumptruck, stuck in close traffic or passing someone mowing their lawn in a dust cloud, etc., but the majority of the time, I leave it on fresh. My 2000 minivan has a good, replaceable air filter, so I imagine that any newer car should have one by now? lol. If I remember right, I can also get an upgraded replacement filter for my van (found it *after* my dh replaced it last time, of course!).

I too would stay away from anything with an ionizer, based on the info I was given when looking for an air cleaner for my bedroom. Plus, both my MIL and my ENT's office have one running all the time, and the smell from them bothers me...

Good luck on the new car! If I wasn't getting an other minivan, I'd want a Toyota Venza! Lol <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> .

One thing I know I drive the used car salespeople nuts with is this request "I need someone, WHO IS A NONSMOKER, to go and crank the car, get in, turn on the a/c, and smell the vent and let me know if it smells at all like cig smoke". <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">
 

AnD

New member
Ummm, actually, ALWAYS using the recirculate button can cause your A/C system to grow molds and mildew (been there, done that)...leaving it on fresh so the system gets dried out on a regular basis is better for the air quality in your vehicle, especially if you have allergies to these. I use my recirculate button only when I need it, like if I am behind a smoking dumptruck, stuck in close traffic or passing someone mowing their lawn in a dust cloud, etc., but the majority of the time, I leave it on fresh. My 2000 minivan has a good, replaceable air filter, so I imagine that any newer car should have one by now? lol. If I remember right, I can also get an upgraded replacement filter for my van (found it *after* my dh replaced it last time, of course!).
<br />
<br /> I too would stay away from anything with an ionizer, based on the info I was given when looking for an air cleaner for my bedroom. Plus, both my MIL and my ENT's office have one running all the time, and the smell from them bothers me...
<br />
<br />Good luck on the new car! If I wasn't getting an other minivan, I'd want a Toyota Venza! Lol <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> .
<br />
<br />One thing I know I drive the used car salespeople nuts with is this request "I need someone, WHO IS A NONSMOKER, to go and crank the car, get in, turn on the a/c, and smell the vent and let me know if it smells at all like cig smoke". <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">
 

Nightwriter

New member
AnD,
My doctor tells me to put it it on recycle because there is NO fresh air outside. You are in the middle of traffic -- not possible. And she said that you cannot go by the "smell test." The particulates are coming into the car before you smell them. And a quick search confirms how bad diesel is.

However, AnD, I often agree with you and your story about mildew and mold in the lines does worry me. What to do? What to do? I know nothing about how car heating works. Or how cars work, lol.

How did you know that there was mildew and mold in the lines? What did you do about it? Is it due to regional weather conditions like high humidity?

Is there anybody out there that can explain how the outside air works as opposed to recycled? Are we just doomed no matter what we do? Recycle, mold. Outside air, killer particulates...
If there is mold in the line and someone has the fresh air or, does it mean the smell of mold is just being diluted? And what about this "system drying out on a regular basis"?
I am not asking which is better. It's like saying death by sword or hanging. I would like to understand how it all works, so I can go back to my doctor and discuss.

This might be a job for Juliet who restores cars.
 

Nightwriter

New member
AnD,
My doctor tells me to put it it on recycle because there is NO fresh air outside. You are in the middle of traffic -- not possible. And she said that you cannot go by the "smell test." The particulates are coming into the car before you smell them. And a quick search confirms how bad diesel is.

However, AnD, I often agree with you and your story about mildew and mold in the lines does worry me. What to do? What to do? I know nothing about how car heating works. Or how cars work, lol.

How did you know that there was mildew and mold in the lines? What did you do about it? Is it due to regional weather conditions like high humidity?

Is there anybody out there that can explain how the outside air works as opposed to recycled? Are we just doomed no matter what we do? Recycle, mold. Outside air, killer particulates...
If there is mold in the line and someone has the fresh air or, does it mean the smell of mold is just being diluted? And what about this "system drying out on a regular basis"?
I am not asking which is better. It's like saying death by sword or hanging. I would like to understand how it all works, so I can go back to my doctor and discuss.

This might be a job for Juliet who restores cars.
 

Nightwriter

New member
AnD,
My doctor tells me to put it it on recycle because there is NO fresh air outside. You are in the middle of traffic -- not possible. And she said that you cannot go by the "smell test." The particulates are coming into the car before you smell them. And a quick search confirms how bad diesel is.

However, AnD, I often agree with you and your story about mildew and mold in the lines does worry me. What to do? What to do? I know nothing about how car heating works. Or how cars work, lol.

How did you know that there was mildew and mold in the lines? What did you do about it? Is it due to regional weather conditions like high humidity?

Is there anybody out there that can explain how the outside air works as opposed to recycled? Are we just doomed no matter what we do? Recycle, mold. Outside air, killer particulates...
If there is mold in the line and someone has the fresh air or, does it mean the smell of mold is just being diluted? And what about this "system drying out on a regular basis"?
I am not asking which is better. It's like saying death by sword or hanging. I would like to understand how it all works, so I can go back to my doctor and discuss.

This might be a job for Juliet who restores cars.
 

Nightwriter

New member
AnD,
My doctor tells me to put it it on recycle because there is NO fresh air outside. You are in the middle of traffic -- not possible. And she said that you cannot go by the "smell test." The particulates are coming into the car before you smell them. And a quick search confirms how bad diesel is.

However, AnD, I often agree with you and your story about mildew and mold in the lines does worry me. What to do? What to do? I know nothing about how car heating works. Or how cars work, lol.

How did you know that there was mildew and mold in the lines? What did you do about it? Is it due to regional weather conditions like high humidity?

Is there anybody out there that can explain how the outside air works as opposed to recycled? Are we just doomed no matter what we do? Recycle, mold. Outside air, killer particulates...
If there is mold in the line and someone has the fresh air or, does it mean the smell of mold is just being diluted? And what about this "system drying out on a regular basis"?
I am not asking which is better. It's like saying death by sword or hanging. I would like to understand how it all works, so I can go back to my doctor and discuss.

This might be a job for Juliet who restores cars.
 

Nightwriter

New member
AnD,
<br />My doctor tells me to put it it on recycle because there is NO fresh air outside. You are in the middle of traffic -- not possible. And she said that you cannot go by the "smell test." The particulates are coming into the car before you smell them. And a quick search confirms how bad diesel is.
<br />
<br />However, AnD, I often agree with you and your story about mildew and mold in the lines does worry me. What to do? What to do? I know nothing about how car heating works. Or how cars work, lol.
<br />
<br />How did you know that there was mildew and mold in the lines? What did you do about it? Is it due to regional weather conditions like high humidity?
<br />
<br />Is there anybody out there that can explain how the outside air works as opposed to recycled? Are we just doomed no matter what we do? Recycle, mold. Outside air, killer particulates...
<br />If there is mold in the line and someone has the fresh air or, does it mean the smell of mold is just being diluted? And what about this "system drying out on a regular basis"?
<br />I am not asking which is better. It's like saying death by sword or hanging. I would like to understand how it all works, so I can go back to my doctor and discuss.
<br />
<br />This might be a job for Juliet who restores cars.
<br />
<br />
 
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