Automobiles were found to be the biggest emitters of volatile organic compounds that cause various illnesses including sick house syndrome and atopic dermatitis, researchers said Friday.

A VOC is an urban pollutant that produces ozone and fine dust through photochemical reaction. Some VOCs gives out a bad smell and is even thought to cause cancer.

According to research by the Seoul Development Institute, of 56 VOC emitters in two major industrial districts from 2009 to 2010, fossil fuels accounted for 57 percent of emissions.

Paints, inks and other organic solvents were previously assumed to be mainly responsible. The latest study indicated that the role of automobiles had been underestimated.

“There must be proactive emission management on automobiles like traffic reduction and popularizing two-wheeled electric vehicles,” the institute said.

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