Car seem a little stuffy? Clear the air by rolling down windows before hitting the road; it may protect your family's health.

Research suggests that air quality inside vehicles could sometimes be as poor as it is outside because of unhealthy organic compounds released by components of the car. The air quality may be especially bad when a vehicle has been sitting closed up in the sun. Crack the windows for a minute before you and your kids head down the highway.

When driving in heavy traffic, keeping windows closed can help reduce your family's exposure to car emissions. However, research suggests that the upholstery, electronic equipment, and air fresheners in cars may release unhealthy compounds into the internal air of a vehicle. Levels of these elements may increase as the temperatures rise, such as on sunny days. Minimize exposure by driving with your car windows cracked open in low-traffic areas, or by installing air filters or purifiers in your car's ventilation system.

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