ABSTRACT
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are those organic compounds with a boiling point range of 50-100 to 240-260°C (World Health Organization [WHO] 1989). They include a large number of major air pollutants emitted from both industrial and nonindustrial facilities. Chemically, VOCs include both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, some alcohols, esters, and aldehydes. Table 11.1 shows several examples of this group of compounds. In this chapter, the sources, characteristics, and health effects of some VOCs are discussed.
