Smoke, smog, and microscopic exhaust particles are deadly as they can cause health problems, especially for those exposed to large quantities of it for a long time. According to the World Health Organization, around seven million people die each year due to air pollution.
On the other hand, British scientists said drivers hear approximately 89 decibels of noise when their car windows are down while driving. Cars are loud, and being stuck in traffic increases the risk of hearing loss for the drivers.
Rideshare driver Peter Hong, 67, joins a car caravan at a protest by Uber and Lyft drivers against the upcoming California Proposition 22 ballot measure, which would exempt rideshare companies from classifying their drivers as employees, in Los Angeles
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Air Pollution
A study by the Global Centre for Clean Air Research at the University of Surrey reveals that commuters in the top ten poorest countries are more exposed to high levels of in-car pollution.
Unsurprisingly, those driving with the car windows open are exposed to airborne grime; passengers are also not immune to polluted air. Test results showed that they were exposed to high levels of pollution for at least a third of their total travel time.
Researchers also measured the concentration of air pollutants in the car while the HVAC system is on. Harmful particulates dropped by 80% when the fan is on and with the windows are up. Typically, some of the pollution from recirculated air are removed by the cabin air filters.
However, using the recirculation mode is not always advisable, especially in hotter places. Instead, experts suggest that driving during off-peak hours can lower air pollution exposure by 91% in the morning and 40% in the evening.
The last option perhaps is using cars fitted with air conditioning or switching to new, emissions-free electric cars and trucks. The only downside to that is those poor cities may not have access to these cars.
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Hearing Loss
Aside from air pollution problems, the risk of hearing loss may also be a problem when driving the windows open. Since cars are known to be loud, they are likely to cause hearing problems, and many factors can increase the decibel noise of a vehicle.
One, the engine and vehicle type could vary in the noise that a car produces. For instance, gas engines produce 85 decibels of sound, while the hybrid or electrical or small four-cylinder engine may be quieter. But Ferraris produce over 100 decibels of sound in first gear.
Second is the wind resistance factor, which adds to the noise mix. The swooshing and whistling sounds of wind moving to the car can significantly increase the noise level.
Then, of course, there is traffic that causes great noise pollution. A passing vehicle can momentarily expose the driver by 100 decibels of sound.
Lastly, the Doppler effect happens when a loud sound compresses its sound waves, changing the frequency of the sound being heard. It amplifies sound taking it to extremes, which is louder when the windows are open.
Therefore, it is best to think twice before opening the car window while driving. But if it is inevitable, better drive during the off-peak hours.
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