Effects of cabin ventilation on in-vehicle exposure to PM and VOCs in passenger cars

: When ventilation systems are inadequately designed or operated, vehicle cabins may become highly polluted microenvironments, exposing occupants to elevated levels of air pollutants due to the infiltration of roadside air contaminated by vehicle exhaust, emissions from in-cabin sources, and the confined nature of the cabin space. The observed trade-off between minimizing exposure to pollutants and ensuring sufficient ventilation highlights the need for optimized cabin ventilation strategies that balance air exchange, occupant comfort, and in-cabin air quality.