The In-Car Air Quality In Volvo's New S80 Is Recommended By The Swedish Asthma And Allergy Association

GOTHENBURG - May 19, 2006: Volvo's new S80 is the first-ever car model to meet the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association’s high standards. Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP) is the name of a new technology that gives clean in-car air and an even more pleasant driving experience. “The criteria for the Asthma and Allergy Association’s product recommendation specify low levels of formaldehyde, particles, various irritants, volatile hydrocarbons and odours,” explains Anders Löfvendahl, project manager at Volvo Cars and specialist in car interior environments.

Asthma and allergies are becoming increasingly common problems in modern society, not least among children. In the West, it is estimated that almost half the population has some form of over-sensitivity, for example to pollen or dust. In order to offer over-sensitive persons a safe and healthy in-car climate, Volvo Cars is now launching its new Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP).

In-car air ventilated automatically

The Clean Zone Interior Package includes a remotely controlled automatic cabin ventilation system.

It starts up when the car door is unlocked via the remote control and effectively expels any emissions and strong odours that have built up inside the parked car, thus promoting a healthier interior environment. The function gradually decreases in power as volatile substances from interior components and textiles are dissipated. Anders Löfvendahl explains that one of the biggest challenges in the project was to minimise the hydrocarbon content inside the car. “In hot climates, volatile hydrocarbons evaporate from plastics and textiles. These substances can serve as irritants to over-sensitive people, so to meet the criteria of the Asthma and Allergy Association an automatic ventilation system was a necessary precondition,” says Anders.

Sensor monitors air pollutants

“Volvo’s IAQS interior air quality system consists of a filter and a sensor,” explains Anders. The filter is impregnated with active carbon and it filters out particles such as pollen from the incoming air. The active carbon absorbs gases and unpleasant odours. “The sensor registers the existence of substances such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the surrounding air and shuts the air intake if the concentration is too high,” continues Anders. In this way, the system helps clean up the air inside the car and reduces the risk of difficulties for asthmatics, allergy-sufferers and other over-sensitive passengers.

Easy to clean interior

“Our close cooperation with the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association has given us a far better picture of the needs of people with asthma and allergies,” says Anders. “One example is that of dust accumulation, which is a far greater problem than we believed when we launched the project. That is why we have made the interior of the new S80 as easy to clean as possible and have avoided dust-collecting surfaces such as textile carpets. Instead, we use allergy-tested natural rubber coverings in both the passenger cabin and luggage compartment. They are easier to clean and keep free from dust.”

Clean interior in all Volvo cars

The Clean Zone Interior Package that is recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association will initially be available as an option on the new S80. CZIP will gradually become available in additional models. All Volvo models already meet high demands on healthy interior climate. Volvo’s upholsteries and interior textiles meet Öko-Tex Standard 100 – an international standard that prohibits a number of allergens. “The leather is tanned in a process that uses vegetable substances instead of chromium, which is the conventional method in the leather industry. Interior metal components are also tested for contact allergies,” concludes Anders Löfvendahl.

The Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association is an independent Swedish national movement that works to promote a society that is easier for sufferers of allergies and asthma, for instance by providing information and education and by supporting research into asthma and allergies.