Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Automotives

WHAT ARE VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) refer to a large group of carbon-containing substances which are primarily composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements.

VOCs have a high vapour pressure at room temperature which makes it possible for them to evaporate under normal atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure.

They are commonly found in various materials and products used in car interiors, such as:

• Plastics and polymers
• Adhesives and sealants
• Foams and textiles
• Paints and coatings

These VOCs can be released from new car interiors, contributing to the "new car smell". Commonly found VOCs in car interiors include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and formaldehyde.

WHO IS VOC TESTING FOR?

VOC testing is essential for automotive OEMs and their supply chains, i.e. component manufacturers. Although, distributors and importers must also ensure compliance with VOC limit values.

WHY IS VOC TESTING IMPORTANT?

Exposure to VOCs is known to cause a variety of health ill effects, including irritation of the eye, nose, throat, headaches & loss of coordination, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and / or central nervous system.

Some VOCs are suspected or proven carcinogens. VOCs in the air can also be a cause of concern as they contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone when they react with nitrogen oxides in the air.

Harmful VOCs such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and formaldehyde exist in vehicular cabins, which deteriorate vehicle interior air quality and threatening the health of drivers / passengers.

Regulations for VOCs vary globally; however, many countries have implemented strict measures to control their emissions due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

TÜV SÜD plays a crucial role in supporting automotive OEMs meet VOC requirements, essential for demonstrating regulatory adherence.

As a globally trusted partner of choice for quality, safety, security and sustainability solutions, TÜV SÜD’s state-of-the-art laboratory, equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation and a talented pool of experts carry out each test with utmost precision.

The tests are conducted in accordance with OEM's specific standards or ISO standards, and the laboratory is accredited in accordance with standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

YOUR TRUSTED COMPLIANCE PARTNER FOR VOC TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Volatile substances can be analyzed by instruments such as TD-GCMS and HPLC that may be emitted by various materials inside vehicles such as plastics, textiles and leather.

VOC measurement from indoor air can be assessed with sorption tubes, such as di-nitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) cartridges, Tenax TA sorbent. The VOCs are adsorbed by these materials and then desorbed by elution (DNPH) or thermally (Tenax TA), and analyzed by Thermal desorption - gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Our dedicated team of experts applies the right testing methods based on the type of VOCs and the materials being tested.

We further ensure that the calibration of the instruments and quality control measures are in place to guarantee the reliability and accuracy of the test results. This is essential for regulatory compliance and stakeholders.

Contact our experts today to learn more on how our VOC testing solutions ensure compliance, enhance in-cabin air quality and build consumer trust. 

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