If there’s anything we’ve learned from the eruption of Taal Volcano and the outbreak of a novel coronavirus, it’s that breathing clean air is one of the most important things in life—and one that many of us take for granted. Partly to blame for the latter is our general misunderstanding of air pollution. We usually assume that just because we’re inside an enclosed space (our home, our office and, yes, our car), we’re safe from bacteria and contaminants floating invisibly in our surroundings. But apparently, even private places we consider our sanctuaries may be filled with dirty air.

According to the Unites States’ Environmental Protection Agency, inadequate ventilation can cause indoor air quality to suffer. “If too little outdoor air enters indoors, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health and comfort problems,” the agency says on its website. Our car’s interior is no exception.

This is where the Blaupunkt Air Purifier comes in. The cylindrical gadget you see here—measuring 71mm in diameter and 183mm in height—is said to be capable of cleaning the air in your vehicle’s cabin. All you have to do is plug it into a USB port.

Blaupunkt claims this air purifier has a three-layer filtration system and an ultraviolet germicidal lamp that can remove filthy elements in a 10-cubic-meter area, including fine particulate matter, pollen, benzene, viruses, allergens, nicotine, hazardous smoke and even the influenza A virus H1N1. The gadget also has an aroma holder for putting some of your favorite essential oil so the odor is to your liking. So yes, you can chuck that air freshener out the window (okay, not literally) and save some change.

Based solely on the product literature sent to us, this 406g air purifier looks easy to use with a simple on/off button. Perhaps best of all, it has a noise level of less than 35dB—about the equivalent of a whisper.

The Blaupunkt Air Purifier sells in our market right now for P5,650 per set that already includes one extra filter refill. One filter supposedly lasts anywhere from six months to one year, depending on the air quality inside your car. If you’re interested, you may get in touch with this official Facebook page or call the distributor at (0917) 575-4812.

Your lungs deserve the best air possible, which, sadly, your ride’s air-conditioning system alone cannot provide.