The government has recently allowed the resumption of public transportation in areas under the more lenient general community quarantine. Although it remains limited due to the present threat posed by the coronavirus disease 2019, several health protocols have been put in place to ensure the safety of commuters.
Among the transportation options that have been allowed to operate amid the health crisis are taxis and transport network vehicle service units. Following the resumption of operations, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has urged public utility vehicle drivers to strictly observe proper health protocols which include the mandatory wearing of face masks and gloves, disinfection of vehicles after each ride as well as putting up barriers between the passenger and the driver.
Despite these safety measures, the ventilation inside the vehicles remains to be a health concern not just in public transportation but also for private vehicle owners.
Citing a study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a report by USA Today revealed that riding with an infected passenger for 72 minutes can reportedly cause fine particles to build up if windows are closed.
“When the windows are closed, COVID-19 (in fine aerosol particles) accumulates in the car cabin. With each new cough, the concentration builds up with no significant dilution happening,” the report said.
However, the study suggested a simple solution – cracking the windows open just a bit in order for fresh air to come in. That seems to be a logical solution since it practically solves the ventilation issue. But the question now is, does leaving a car window open feasible in the local setting?
If you’re driving in the metropolis, cracking a window open is theoretically not a good idea since doing so could lead to another problem – air pollution. Although the suggestion would definitely improve ventilation inside the vehicle, the air that will come in to drive out the concentration of aerosol particles inside the vehicle is not entirely fresh but equally as dangerous.
Based on a report by the United Nations last year, air pollution from vehicles is linked to around 400,000 deaths annually. Despite the passage of the country’s Clean Air Act in 1999, air pollution in Metro Manila persists to this day mainly because of traffic gridlocks as well as smoke belchers that continue to ply the streets.
Aside from the heavy pollution, a slightly opened car window is also an invitation to unwanted guests like culprits who stealthily lurk around the traffic-choke streets in the metro. But that’s not the only problem with the idea. Because unless you have enough gas allowance to burn, cracking up the air-conditioning while the windows are slightly open will dramatically increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
The bottom line is, although it absolutely makes sense to crack your window open, you also have to consider your safety against external threats that could worsen the situation.