Highlights

• We focused on the association of targeted VOCs with subjective perceptions in cabin environment.
• Higher exposure to toluene was a risk factor for eyes irritation, headache and fatigue.
• Xylene and ozone-initiated by products (i.e., heptanal, nonanal and decanal) were related to sensory irritations among passengers.
• Dryness of eyes, nose and skin had no significant association with targeted VOCs in aircraft cabin.

Abstract

More than 8 million people fly on commercial aircraft each day with approximately 5% having a pre-existing respiratory disease. Thus it is necessary to provide high air quality in aircraft to protect public health. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in aircraft cabins are suspected to contribute to the reported complaints. We investigated concentrations of VOCs, air temperature, relative humidity, and CO₂ concentrations in a total of 46 flights, including 26 Chinese domestic flights and 20 international flights.

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