Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are created when toxic chemicals vaporize and form harmful gases. Natural events like wildfires release large quantities of VOCs every year. However, industrial operations and other man-made processes contribute a significant percentage to the planet’s overall VOC emissions. Atmospheric photochemical reactions occur when VOCs are exposed to sunlight. Depending on the amount and type of VOCs emitted, these reactions can disrupt ecosystems and have crippling effects on both humans and the environment. What is a VOC? VOCs are volatile carbon compounds, such as butane, toluene, pentane, propane, xylene, or ethanol. Although considered harmful, carbon monoxide, carbon … Continue reading Volatile Organic Compounds Environmental Impact