What is a low-VOC material?

• A. A material with high volatile organic compounds for durability.
• B. A material that is completely VOC-free.
• C. A material with low levels of volatile organic compounds to improve IAQ.
• D. A material that emits radon.

Answer: (C)

Low-VOC material means it releases only small amounts of volatile organic compounds after installation. VOCs come from common building products like paints, finishes, adhesives, and plywood, and their off-gassing can affect indoor air quality. Choosing materials with low VOC levels helps keep indoor air cleaner, with fewer odors and potential health effects, even though products aren’t required to be completely VOC-free. The other ideas miss the point: high VOC content would worsen air quality, zero VOCs aren’t always achievable or necessary to describe the concept, and radon is a different gas not related to VOCs.