The coveted and well-recognized “new car smell” is often seen as an indicator of the age and cleanliness of a vehicle. However, what many consumers do not know is that this smell is a result of the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the vehicle’s leather, plastics and textiles. The Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), or German Association of the Automotive Industry, has developed a guidance document (VDA 278) outlining recommended testing to ensure levels of VOCs in vehicles do not pose a risk to human health.
This guidebook offers a comprehensive overview of the analytical techniques utilized in support of VDA 278 regulations, utilizing a PerkinElmer Clarus® SQ8 GC/MS and TurboMatrix™ ATD for the quantification of VOC emissions in vehicle interiors.