What are volatile organic compounds?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a broad group of chemical compounds that 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. VOCs may react with other pollutants to form photochemical oxidants (such as ozone) that can adversely affect human health. Q: What is particulate matter? Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution or PM, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Usually, EPA is most concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller because those are the particles that generally pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs. EPA categorizes this particle pollution in two ways: • Inhalable coarse particles, such as those found near roadways and dusty industries, are larger than 2.5 micrometers but smaller than 10 mi
