Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a diverse group of gaseous chemicals emitted from various household and natural sources. They are often responsible for the characteristic smells of perfumes, cosmetics and things like paint thinners and cleaning solutions. Frequent exposure to certain VOCs is associated with adverse health effects such as respiratory irritation, nausea and even cancer.
VOCs have high vapor pressure, meaning they are relatively unstable at room temperature, and if not contained, will float into the air in their gaseous state. They also do not dissolve in water very well, if at all. VOCs are commonly used as chemical solvents (something that dissolves other chemicals), according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
