An organic chemical compound that has the ability to evaporate readily at normal temperatures Includes various industrial solvents and degreasers such as TCE, PCE, and carbon tetrachloride
A hydrocarbon which is in part responsible for photochemical smog, excluding acetone, ethane, freons, methane, methylene chloride, perchloroethylene, and generally having a vapor pressure exceeding 0 02 pounds per square inch (psi)
This term is generally used similarly to the term "reactive organic gases" but excludes ethane which the federal government does not consider to be reactive VOCs are hydrocarbon compounds that exist in the ambient air and contribute to the formation of smog and/or may themselves be toxic VOCs often have an odor, and some examples include gasoline, alcohol, and the solvents used in paints
1) Carbon-containing substances released by both natural processes and human activities that readily evaporate; their reaction with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight produces photochemical smog 2) Compounds amenable to analysis by the purge and trap techniques Used synonymously with purgable compounds 3) Any organic compound that participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions except those designated by EPA as having negligible photochemical reactivity
one of a class of chemical compounds; indoor sources include tobacco smoke, building products, furnishings, cleaning materials, solvents, and office supplies In sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritations; dizziness; and headaches Some VOCs are suspected carcinogens Data for health effects resulting, from exposure to the characteristically low levels of VOCs in the indoor environment are scarce
An organic chemical that has a high vapor pressure relative to its water solubility VOCs include components of gasoline, fuel oils, and lubricants, as well as organic solvents, fumigants, some inert ingredients in pesticides, and some by-products of chlorine disinfection
Constituents that evaporate at their temperature of use and which, by a photochemical reaction, will potentially produce smog under favorable climatic conditions
Constituents that will evaporate at their temperature of use and which, by a photochemical reaction, will cause atmospheric oxygen to be converted into potential smog-promoting tropospheric ozone under favourable climatic conditions
In chemistry, organic means something containing Volatile means 'easily evaporated' - like water boiling away in a kettle It can also mean explosive And a compound is something that is made up of two or more other elements If you put it all together, then a volatile organic compound is a carbon substance that is made up of two or more elements, is easily evaporated, and may be explosive (Back to Ozone Action! Days)
VOCs are small, organic compounds, often containing chlorine, that are known to cause certain forms of cancer, including leukemia They can be present in water, even following chlorine disinfection VOCs are most prevalent in agricultural and industrial areas from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, leaking gasoline storage tanks, seepage from toxic waste dumps and accidental chemical spills One type of VOC is the trihalomethanes (THMs), which are formed when chlorine is combined with naturally occurring organic material (such as decaying leaves) in water
Chemical substances containing hydrocarbons (hydrogen and carbon atoms) which evaporate into the atmosphere EPA has limited the definition to those organic compounds which participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions to produce ozone and ozone precursors
A group of organic compounds characterized by their tendency to evaporate easily at room temperature Some familiar substances containing VOCs are solvents, gasoline, paint thinners, and nail polish remover DCE, PCE, TCA, and TCE are all VOCs
The environmental or legislated definition: Constituents that will evaporate at their temperature of use and which, by a photochemical reaction, will cause atmospheric oxygen to be converted into potential smog-promoting tropospheric ozone under favorable climatic conditions Some areas classify a substance to be a VOC based on its vapor pressure Scientific definition: Any hydrocarbon, except methane and ethane, with a vapor pressure equal to or greater than 0 1 mm Hg
any organic compound that evaporates readily to the atmosphere For example, benzene is a VOC found in gasoline that can be emitted into the atmosphere when gasoline evaporates VOCs are also used in paints, plastics, solvents, and other products
VOCs are organic (carbon-containing) compounds that evaporate readily at room temperature These compounds are used as solvents, degreasers, paints, thinners and fuels Due to their low water solubilities, environmental persistence and widespread industrial use, they are commonly found in soil and ground water W Go back to alphabet