What are VOCs and why should materials have low VOC content?

• A. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds; high VOCs can degrade indoor air quality and occupant health.
• B. VOCs are vertical oxygen currents in ventilation; low VOC reduces humidity.
• C. VOCs are very old contaminants; low VOC prevents odors.
• D. VOCs are variable optical constants; low VOC affects lighting.

Answer: (A)

VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds, a broad group of chemicals that readily evaporate at room temperature and can off-gas from paints, glues, flooring, finishes, and many other building products. When materials contain high VOC content, these compounds release into indoor air, which can lower indoor air quality and affect occupant health—causing eye, nose, or throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, or more serious effects with long-term exposure. Choosing low-VOC materials minimizes these emissions, helping keep the air cleaner, reducing odors, and supporting healthier, more comfortable indoor environments. This practice is a core part of Green Architecture, aiming to create spaces that are safer and more sustainable. The other descriptions don’t fit because VOCs aren’t about vertical oxygen currents in ventilation, they don’t primarily control humidity, they aren’t about old contaminants, and they aren’t related to variable optical constants in lighting.