What are VOC emissions?

Volatile Organic Compounds, commonly referred to as VOCs, are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. This characteristic allows them to easily vaporize and enter the atmosphere, which can contribute significantly to air pollution. VOCs are emitted by a variety of sources, including vehicles, industrial processes, solvents, and household products like paints and cleaners. Their presence in the air is important to monitor because they can react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a key component of smog that poses health risks and environmental concerns. Understanding the nature and impact of VOC emissions is critical for developing effective air quality regulations and safety measures.