Investigation of volatile organic compounds and phthalates present in the cabin air of used private cars

Environ Int. 2009 Nov;35(8):1188-95. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2009.07.016. Epub 2009 Sep 3.

Abstract

The presence of selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including aromatic, aliphatic compounds and low molecular weight carbonyls, and a target set of phthalates were investigated in the interior of 23 used private cars during the summer and winter. VOC concentrations often exceeded levels typically found in residential indoor air, e.g. benzene concentrations reached values of up to 149.1 microg m(-3). Overall concentrations were 40% higher in summer, with temperatures inside the cars reaching up to 70 degrees C. The most frequently detected phthalates were di-n-butyl-phthalate and bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in concentrations ranging from 196 to 3656 ng m(-3).

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis*
  • Automobiles / statistics & numerical data*
  • Benzene / analysis
  • Dibutyl Phthalate / analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Phthalic Acids / analysis*
  • Plasticizers / analysis
  • Seasons
  • Temperature
  • Vehicle Emissions / analysis
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / analysis*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Phthalic Acids
  • Plasticizers
  • Vehicle Emissions
  • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • Dibutyl Phthalate
  • phthalic acid
  • Benzene