BS ISO 12219-1:2021

What is ISO 12219‑1 about?  

ISO 12219‑1 is part one of the multi-series standard that specifies the whole vehicle test chamber, the vapour sampling assembly and the operating conditions for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbonyl compounds in vehicle cabin air. 

There are three measurements performed: one (for VOCs and carbonyl compounds) during the simulation of ambient conditions (ambient mode) at standard conditions of 23 °C - 25 °C with no air exchange; a second only for the measurement of formaldehyde at elevated temperatures (parking mode); and a third for VOCs and carbonyl compounds simulating driving after the vehicle has been parked in the sun starting at elevated temperatures (driving mode). For the simulation of the mean sun irradiation, a fixed irradiation in the whole vehicle test chamber is employed. 

The method is valid for passenger cars, as defined in ECE‑TRANS‑WP.29/1045. 

ISO 12219‑1 specifies guidelines for: 

• Transport and storage of the test vehicles until the start of the test 
• Conditioning for the surroundings of the test vehicle and the test vehicle itself as well as the whole vehicle test chamber 
• Conditioning of the test vehicle prior to measurements 
• Simulation of ambient air conditions (ambient mode) 
• Formaldehyde sampling at elevated temperatures (parking mode) 
• Simulation of driving after the test vehicle has been parked in the sun (driving mode) 

Who is ISO 12219‑1 for? 

ISO 12219‑1 on whole vehicle test chamber — specification and method for the determination of volatile organic compounds in cabin interiors is applicable to: 

• Road vehicle manufacturers  
• Vehicle testing facilities 
• Vehicle regulatory authorities 
• Vehicle designers and engineers 
• Chemical scientists 

Why should you use ISO 12219‑1?  

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are widely used in industry and can be emitted by many everyday products and materials.   It is important to determine the material emissions of interior parts. and to reduce them to an acceptable level, if required. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain comprehensive and reliable information about the types of organic compounds in the interior air of vehicles and also their concentrations. 

ISO 12219‑1 enables you to measure the types and levels of VOCs in-vehicle cabin air under controlled conditions so that the user of the vehicle is safe. 

ISO 12219‑1 describes requirements for a whole vehicle test chamber and a test protocol. Measurements are carried out according to ISO 16000‑6 (VOCs) and ISO 16000‑3 (carbonyl compounds.  

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS ISO 12219‑1:2021 is the second edition that cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 12219‑1:2012), which has been technically revised. 

The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows: 

• Adaption of temperatures, number of samples to be taken and the pre-conditioning and measuring times to be consistent with the UN mutual resolution concerning the common definitions of vehicle categories, masses and dimensions