Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) are a very large group of organic compounds that vary greatly in their chemical composition but can exhibit similar behavior in the atmosphere. NMVOCs are emitted into the air as combustion products, as vapors released from gasoline, solvents, air fresheners, cleaning agents, perfumes, and many other sources — often when products are used at work or at home. The diversity of products and processes that emit NMVOCs is enormous and includes not only industrial processes but also household products, agriculture, domestic combustion, and transportation.
In the outdoor atmosphere, NMVOCs react with other air pollutants in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone. NMVOC emissions can also constitute a significant component of indoor air pollution. Indoor reactions differ because ultraviolet light — the main driver of outdoor reactions — is absorbed by glass.
However, many other reactions can occur, forming different chemicals. One particularly important NMVOC is formaldehyde, which can be released from furniture, finishes, and building materials such as laminate flooring, kitchen cabinets, and wood panels. It is also formed through chemical reactions in the air between other NMVOCs and combustion-related chemicals from smoking, heating, cooking, or burning candles. Even at low concentrations, exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract, and it is classified as a human carcinogen.
Other sources of NMVOCs include furniture, carpets, upholstered materials, cleaning and polishing products, air fresheners, and personal care products such as fragrances, deodorants, and hair-styling products.
In the outdoor atmosphere, NMVOCs react with other air pollutants in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone. NMVOC emissions can also be a significant component of indoor air pollution. Indoor reactions differ because ultraviolet light — the main driver of outdoor reactions — is absorbed by glass.
However, there are many other reactions they can undergo, forming different chemicals. One particularly important NMVOC is formaldehyde, which can be released from furniture, final processing or from building materials such as laminate flooring, kitchen cabinets, and wood panels. It is also formed through chemical reactions in the air between other NMVOCs and combustion-related chemicals from smoking, heating, cooking, or burning candles. At low concentrations, exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract, and it is classified as a human carcinogen.
Other sources of NMVOCs include furniture, carpets and upholstered materials, cleaning and polishing products, air fresheners, and personal care products such as fragrances, deodorants, and hair-styling products.