VOC

Abbreviation for Volatile organic compound. Organic chemical compounds that under normal conditions are gaseous or can vaporise and enter the atmosphere. VOCs include such compounds as methane, benzene, xylene, propane and butane. Methane is primarily emitted from agriculture (from ruminants and cultivation), whereas non-methane VOCs (or NMVOCs) are mainly emitted from transportation, industrial processes and use of organic solvents. See also NMVOC.