VOC

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are a group of organic chemical compounds that tend to volatilise or evaporate easily under the prevailing ambient conditions, including temperature and pressure.

These compounds comprise a wide variety of chemical substances that can occur in nature or be produced synthetically. A characteristic feature of VOC is their volatility, which means that they can transition into the gas phase at room temperature and normal air pressure.

Examples of VOC include not only non-polymerised monomers but also a wide variety of other organic compounds such as hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohols and halogenated hydrocarbons. These compounds can originate from various sources, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust gases, solvents in paints and coatings, cleaning agents, pesticides and even some natural sources such as plant emissions.

Due to their volatility and their presence in numerous everyday products, VOC are of great importance with regard to air quality and environmental protection. Some VOC can be harmful to health and have an impact on air quality by contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone and other air pollutants. There are therefore regulations and standards for limiting VOC emissions, particularly indoors and in areas where air quality standards must be met.