Reference: EPA — What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
Source and licence
This reference page reproduces material published by US EPA. It is a work of the United States Government and is in the public domain (17 U.S.C. §105). Read the original: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs. Retrieved 2026-08-20. Reformatted for this site; wording unchanged. Heal From Mold is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, this agency.
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. VOCs typically are industrial solvents, such as trichloroethylene; fuel oxygenates, such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE); or by-products produced by chlorination in water treatment, such as chloroform. VOCs are often components of petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, and dry cleaning agents. VOCs are common ground-water contaminants. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions. Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored. EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed. For more information see:
Looking for the right gear?
Browse the full toolkit by category.
Educational Disclaimer
This content is educational and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Mold-related illness is an area where the science is still developing — where a claim is contested, the article says so. Always work with a qualified clinician on health decisions, and with licensed professionals on remediation. Some links may be affiliate links; that never changes a recommendation.