Studying the Effects of in-Cabin Decoration and Deodorizer on Interior Concentrations of Toluene and Ethyl Benzene in Logan 90 Cars

Exposure to different chemical compounds such as toluene and ethyl benzene occurs in workplaces، residency، and urban areas. Currently، vehicle cabin environment is one of the new exposure sources of passengers to these compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in-cabin decoration and deodorizer use on interior concentrations of toluene and ethyl benzene in Logan cars. Samples were collected using activated carbon absorption and low- flow sampling pumps in a roofed parking of 44 “Logan 90” cars and analyzed with gas chromatography along with mass detector. The mean concentration of toluene (42. 02 μg/m3) was higher than ethyl benzene (17. 44 μg/m3) in vehicles. The mean concentrations of toluene and ethyl benzene in cars without decoration were 13. 84 and 11. 24 μg/m3، respectively and in cars with seat cover were 49. 09 and 14. 35 μg/m3، respectively. The results showed that vehicle age had no significant effect on the concentration of these substances; however، non-used vehicles had significantly higher concentrations of these substances. Decoration and deodorizer use had no significant effect on the concentration of toluene and ethyl benzene in cars.