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Volatile organic compounds are gasses emitted from solid or liquid materials. They are defined by a high vapour pressure under standard room temperature conditions. They are detected at higher levels indoors than they are outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a number of products found in business of residential settings such as paint, cleaning supplies furnishings and solvent based materials. Examples include formaldehyde, acetone and styrene. VOCs are a pollutant of indoor air quality.

Reference:

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/ozone/ozonetech/def_voc.htm accessed 28-Jun-12

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