Non Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are natural organic chemicals. They are still described as organic as they contain the element carbon in their molecular structure. Thats where the link ends.

VOCs cover a multitude of substances e.g. hydrocarbons, halocarbons and oxygenates.

Hydrocarbones are usually split into categories of methane and non-methane.

The 2 worst non-methane offenders are benzene and 1,3-butadiene more of which below.

Some VOCs are carcinogenic, others cause unpleasant effects such as eye irritations and coughing.

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