Volatile organic compounds in aircraft cabins

Abstract

The air quality of aircraft cabins has become a significant issue over the past few decades. In general, the existing air comfort regulations and standards for aircrafts are associated with the emissions of CO, CO2, O-3 and airborne particulates. However, the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not taken into account even though the critical influences of VOCs on people are stated by many researches about the indoor air quality of buildings, cars and rarely aircrafts. The present study is prepared with this concern. It is aimed to emphasise VOCs as an aircraft cabin air pollution, which may cause various health problems and discomfort for the passengers and crews. In this regard, VOCs are introduced by investigating their main potential sources and influence factors, the studies examining VOCs in aircraft cabins are reviewed, and finally, the discussions are made and the possible solutions and suggestions are presented.