The interior of your car may seem like a safe haven from air pollution, but it may actually be quite the opposite. Research shows that chemicals emanating from the car components such as the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests and seats mix with the airborne pollution pose significant health risks to consumers. Extreme temperatures inside cars on sunny days can increase the concentration of Volatile Organic compounds (VOC) and break other chemicals down into more toxic constituents.
Interior car air pollution has become the third largest indoor environment pollution, after decoration and fitment, and PM2.5 pollution. Research has shown that air inside cars typically contains more carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, fine particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides than ambient air nearby. High concentrations of these compounds are hazardous to the health of children, elderly and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Fortunately, China will introduce mandatory interior air quality standards by the end of 2015, and the Ministry will upgrade the “Passenger Car Air Quality Assessment Guidelines" to a mandate. This will help push for more attention, and potentially action, from auto OEMs and suppliers towards controlling Volatile Organic compounds (VOC) inside cars, and help improve the situation for drivers and passengers.
The European Chamber has invited two distinguished speakers to share their expertise on this the topic:
AGENDA
14:00-14:30 Registration
14:30-14:40 Opening remarks
14:40-15:10 "Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Testing on Automobile Components" by Mr. Nelson Chan, Chemical Project Engineer, SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd.
15:10-15:40 "Air Freshness on Board" by Mr. Hanson Xie, General Manager (Aftermarket China) from MAHLE Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
15:40-16:30 Q&A session moderated by Mr. Serafino Bartolozzi, Chair of Auto Components Working Group, European Chamber