General Properties of VOCs

The definition of the term "Volatile Organic Compound" is more of a regulatory issue than a scientific one. Scientifically, any compound containing carbon is considered organic. In chemistry a volatile chemical is one that readily evaporates under normal conditions. The ambiguity of the VOC classification comes from the non-specific term "normal conditions", leaving room for debate as to whether certain chemicals should fall under the VOC umbrella. In general, though, VOC's are chemicals that are likely to evaporate at room temperature under "normal" conditions and most are heavier than air, thus they sink towards the floor over time.