Synthetic car interiors a cause for concern
A recent study carried out by scientists from Harvard and the Beijing Institute of Technology, and published in Cell Reports Physical Science journal, has identified an incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) from volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) emitted by the interior of a new car. Emissions of three carcinogenic VOC’s, namely Formaldehyde, Benzene and Acetaldehyde, were found to exceed recommended Chinese national standard limits by as much as 61%.
Observing levels of 20 VOC’s, the study recorded emissions from five common car interior materials with specific focus on elevating interior surface temperatures at 25C, 40C and 65C. With increasing temperature, VOC emissions were found to increase.
The study focussed on the car seats, dashboard, carpet, roof interior and door panel, with materials including imitation leather, woven cloth, felt and plastic.
Photo by Olav Tvedt on Unsplash
