Ford drivers who suffer a lot from hay fever are in luck. The car brand has introduced a new interior air filter that can offer relief from hay fever and allergies. The filter is suitable for most Ford models.
The Ford micronAir proTect filter has been developed by the filtration experts at Freudenberg, according to the press release. The filter stops various harmful germs, allergens and even viruses that can cause health problems.
The improved system uses carbon and a special active layer made using a secret recipe of which citric acid is an ingredient. This provides protection against unwanted bacteria, yeast and fungi and has antiviral properties.
"For many drivers and passengers, an allergy to pollen and dust means not only discomfort, but also serious health problems," said Nigel Brackenbury, vice president, Ford Customer Service Division, Ford Europe. "This filter is an affordable but effective way to protect the health of occupants on the road. At the same time, it offers comfort to everyone driving a Ford."
How it works
The Ford micronAir proTect filter can stop particles as small as 0.05 microns. This is less than one thousandth the thickness of a human hair. When fitted in the car's ventilation system, the filter reduces the concentration of harmful particles entering the interior. It can also remove virus-containing droplets, reducing the risk of contamination and infection.
The filter contains an active carbon element that provides additional protection against harmful pollutants such as particulates and acid gases. It also contains a number of layers composed of microfibres. This blocks small particles, dust and pollen.
The filter can also help combat threatening viruses in the car. It has been shown to be 99.9 per cent effective in inactivating viruses that come in contact with the special active layer,* including swine flu (H1N1) and HCov-229E. Under current conditions, it is too dangerous to test the filter for SARS-CoV-2 - or COVID-19, the coronavirus. Again, Freudenberg expects the same effectiveness rate of 99.9.
The coronavirus is spread in droplets produced when a carrier sneezes, coughs or breathes. It can remain contagious on surfaces for hours or even days. Gusts of wind, temperature changes and humidity can cause these particles to re-enter the air. The filter can then pick up and neutralise these particles.
Models
The filter can be supplied and fitted by a Ford dealership and is available for the Focus, Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX, B-MAX, KA+, Galaxy, Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier. Currently, the filter can already be ordered for the Fiesta, Puma and EcoSport and later this summer for the C-MAX, Transit Connect, Transit Custom and the largeTransit.
When a Ford micronAir proTect filter is installed for a customer in his or her Ford, the Pick-up and clean protocol is used. This involves picking up the car from the customer's home if required and disinfecting it before returning it to the customer and applying extra protection at touch points.
