What Are VOCs?

‘VOC’ stands for volatile organic compounds. “Organic” means it has at least one carbon atom. “Volatile” means it is a gas under normal atmospheric conditions, so it has low boiling point and a high vapor pressure. That means these chemicals evaporate easily and often react with other substances in the air–they’re volatile. Examples of VOCs include benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene.

VOCs can come from natural sources (such as flowers) or from man-made sources (such as paint and glues). Smells are also often VOCs that our noses register. If you’ve ever opened a dry erase marker and smelled that chemical smell, you’ve smelled VOCs!

Learn more: what are some common sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the home »


Free Guide to Breathing Safe

Want to learn more about protecting your health? Join thousands more and stay up to date on protecting your health.

Was this article useful?51
Smart Air low cost purifiers

Smart Air is a social enterprise that creates simple, no-nonsense air purifier and provides free education to protect people’s health from the effects of air pollution. We are proud to be the only certified B-Corp dedicated to fighting air pollution.

Certified B-Corp air purifier company