Vehicle Interior Air Quality Testing - Application Note

Background & Relevance: The “new car” smell that used to be part of the appeal of a new vehicle is now known to be the result of chemicals emitted from the myriad of parts and components that make up a car’s interior space. From the dashboard to interior panels and seat coverings to flooring materials, the majority of automotive interior components are comprised of plastics and other synthetic materials that contain various amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals. Unfortunately, within the confined space of a car cabin, concentrations of chemicals emitted from these components may reach levels that are potentially harmful to human occupants.