The environment inside the cabin of a heavy-duty vehicle is subjected to a long list of contaminants including exhaust, pollen, bacteria, dirt, dust and soot. A cabin air filter is the frontline defense, protecting cabin occupants and providing efficient heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system operation.

Harmful contaminants can clog HVAC systems and affect drivers’ abilities to safely operate their vehicles. To help alleviate these challenges, manufacturers of cabin air filters are producing filtration with added features such as activated carbon to remove volatile organic compounds. Another innovation, which is an industry exclusive, the Luber-finer Extreme Clean Cabin Air Filter features Arm & Hammer baking soda to improve a filter’s ability to remove offensive odors.

Whether it is simply incoming fresh air, or air entering the cabin through the use of the HVAC system, there is a long list of contaminants that may cause an allergic reaction with a driver. As many as one-in-six Americans currently suffer from asthma or some type of allergy caused by airborne contaminants.

A cabin air filter that is clogged with contaminants will begin to affect the HVAC system in several ways. The cab defroster will begin to operate inefficiently and air quality inside the cab will start to degrade in a vehicle that does not have proper air circulation or appropriate filtration.

The increased awareness of the needs of allergy-sensitive people living in the United States, estimated to be more than 40 million, may be the single-biggest reason for the inclusion of a quality cabin filter and a regular maintenance change interval.

Addressing the safety issues associated with a driver adversely affected by allergens in the cabin is the first step in creating a safer operating environment. The bottom line is—the purpose of the cabin air filter is to filter the outside air that you are going to breathe inside the cabin. A properly functioning cabin air filter can remove up to 98% of (5-100 micron) particles before anyone ever breathes them.

Whether it is preventing harmful contaminants from entering the cabin or cleansing the air of unwanted odors, cabin air filters can be the front line of defense in making the over-the-road trip a safer, more productive mission.