VIAQ has been a topic of interest since the late 1970s, when concern over the effect of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) on the indoor environment began to be replicated in the automotive industry.
The release of VOCs and SVOCs from vehicle trim materials (including plastics, polyurethane, foam, wood, carpets, textiles and adhesives) is the major factor causing poor VIAQ, and the consequent negative effect on health is the primary driver for regulations in this area. Additional concerns relate to consumers’ dislike of off-odours in vehicle cabins, which has risen to be the most complained-about quality issue in China.[1]
The advent of the mandatory Chinese regulation GB/T 27630 “Guideline for air quality assessment of passenger car”[2] further increases the pressure on manufacturers and the related suppliers to carry out VIAQ and material screening. Typically, the standard methods and associated regulations focus on targeted lists of compounds of concern.[3] However, the increased focus on off-odours in the car cabin has meant an increase in olfactory testing on materials. These methods give a somewhat subjective response to the strength and nature of the odour.
The sample complexity and ever-expanding list of odorous compounds of concern makes it a challenge for those responsible for performing sampling and analysis of target and non-target compounds. This has led to a need for innovative new methods to be created and validated to respond to the pressures being placed on manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and test laboratories alike.
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