Exploring Past the Fresh Car Scents: The Emergence of VIAQ as a Common Standard
In recent times, the global consciousness about the quality of air within vehicles, known as Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ), has been on the rise. However, a uniform regulatory framework remains elusive, leaving nations to grapple with the issue independently.
One such nation is the United States, where formal mandates regarding VIAQ are still limited. Yet, the importance of emissions screening during research and development stages, such as heating samples to detect Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions, cannot be overstated. These VOCs, which are emitted from materials like plastics, textiles, adhesives, and coatings, can trigger headaches, respiratory irritation, and allergic reactions, particularly during the first six months in new vehicles.
The 'new car smell' is a complex mixture of chemicals that can impact health. To combat this, HEPA-grade filters, activated carbon layers, and real-time air quality sensors are becoming mainstream in vehicles. China has imposed strict VOC emission limits inside vehicle cabins, while regions like the EU, Korea, and Japan are developing voluntary or evolving frameworks.
The automotive industry is taking notice, with VIAQ gaining attention in both Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket automotive industries. The filtration system in vehicle cabins must be robust enough to perform under various conditions, such as stop-and-go driving, prolonged idling, and urban pollution.
Manufacturers can minimize off-gassing of VOCs by using certified low-VOC plastics, textiles, and reformulated adhesives. Properly maintained HVAC systems can improve VIAQ, but their performance varies widely by vehicle model. Consumers spend around 54 minutes during their round-trip commutes within modern vehicle cabins with increasingly sealed environments.
However, consumer behavior, such as neglecting filter maintenance, can undermine even the best VIAQ systems. Clearer communication to consumers about VIAQ is necessary to avoid relying on visually clean filters or generalized claims. Anan Bishara, the founder and CEO of Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), established in 1996, emphasizes the importance of education in this regard.
Opel, for instance, has gained a competitive edge in the automobile sector through the development and use of the Intelli-Air System with high-performance filters for clean cabin air in the new Opel Astra. Real-time air quality sensors are being used by automakers to give drivers and passengers direct visibility into cabin air conditions. High-efficiency cabin air filters are becoming standard in vehicles, and companies should prioritize retrofittable filtration upgrades.
As the demand for healthy, clean interior air grows, the automotive industry must continue to look outward to refine its approach and deliver on this growing need.
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