What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are organic chemicals characterized by their high vapor pressure at room temperature. This means they can easily evaporate into the air, contributing to air pollution. VOCs are significant because they can react with other pollutants in the atmosphere to form secondary pollutants, such as ozone, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. They are commonly emitted by a variety of sources, including vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and household products like paints and cleaning agents.

In contrast, heavy metals are inorganic substances that do not fall under the category of volatile organic compounds, and they primarily affect water systems rather than air quality. Minerals that enhance soil quality are unrelated to air pollutants and do not share the same characteristics as VOCs. Lastly, biological substances found in food are not classified as VOCs either; they are typically not volatile and do not impact air quality in the same way that VOCs do. Understanding the nature of VOCs and their potential to affect air quality is crucial for assessing environmental health and implementing effective pollution control measures.