This is a study set up by Dr Sophie Duggan, after she and her family were exposed to CO fumes by their car.
The Airsafe study is funded by the Carbon Monoxide Research Trust and has no commercial links.
The findings, which are peer-reviewed, featured in the December 2024 edition of the academic journal Environment International.
Results showed that from a sample size of 33, CO was present within the passenger cabins of 20 cars (61 per cent). Mean average ppm CO exceeded the WHO target limit of 4mg/m3 (3.49ppm) in 4 vehicles; peak ppm CO exceeded this limit in 13 vehicles.
Overall mean-average CO for all journeys was 6.63ppm CO; the peak single-journey mean average was 192.174 ppm CO.
The study also highlights some of the effects of CO inhalation at low levels, which include:
disruption to neural and cardiac development in the unborn child;
disruption of mitochondrial activity; and
destruction of white matter in the brain.
There is a clear need for in-car air quality testing to be added to the MOT. If you would like to make contact to discuss any aspect of the study or of its potential impact, please email or fill out the form above.