- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure and can easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. They are released into the environment from a variety of sources, including natural processes and human activities. Some common sources of VOCs include motor vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and consumer products like paints, solvents, and cleaning agents.
- VOCs can have negative effects on both the environment and human health. When released into the air, they can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and other air pollutants, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Some VOCs are also known to be carcinogenic or neurotoxic, meaning they can cause cancer or damage the nervous system.
- In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the negative impacts of VOCs, and many efforts have been made to reduce their emissions. This has led to the development of low-VOC or zero-VOC products, such as paints and cleaning agents, which are designed to emit fewer or no VOCs. In addition, regulations and standards have been put in place to limit the amount of VOCs allowed in various products and industries.
