Car interiors

The interior of an automobile is a tight space in which allergy sufferers may experience symptoms caused by the materials used in construction. However, the interior of a vehicle can also offer an allergic consumer a protective space to escape from harmful substances in the outside world.

For those with respiratory allergies, vapours from materials used to construct car interiors can be problematic, especially in new vehicles. Patients with contact allergies may react to direct contact with skin allergens such as nickel, which may be used in steering wheel construction. On the other hand, automobile air conditioners can be fitted with good and efficient pollen filters and thereby significantly improve driving safety for drivers with pollen allergies. This is a definite advantage over an automobile that merely circulates outdoor air through the car, thereby increasing the pollen concentration in the car’s interior. Sneezing is accompanied by an unconscious reflex to close the eyes, which can significantly increase the chance of accident while driving.

Areas of the car which come into direct contact with the skin for longer periods of time are of particular concern to those with contact allergies, such as the steering wheel and gearshift and parts of the seats and armrests. Strong contact allergens such as nickel and chrome can cause significant problems.

The ECARF Seal of Quality is granted to automobile interiors that fulfil the following requirements.