ABSTRACT
The term volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is used to designate a wide variety of organic compounds which can exist in the gaseous phase at significant concentrations at ambient temperatures. It includes aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane and benzene), chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., vinyl chloride), oxidized hydrocarbons (e.g., alcohols, ethers, ketones, aldehydes and esters), and nitrogen-containing compounds (e.g., amines and diisocyanates). The compounds in this class include toxic agents which are irritants, neurotoxins, allergens, carcinogens, and teratogens.
