What are VOCs commonly known as?

VOCs are commonly known as Volatile Organic Compounds. This term describes a wide range of organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. This high vapor pressure means that they readily evaporate into the air, which can lead to various environmental and health concerns. VOCs are found in many household products, including paints, solvents, and cleaning agents, and they can contribute to indoor air pollution as well as outdoor air quality issues.

Understanding the nature of VOCs is crucial in occupational hygiene, as exposure to these compounds can lead to health effects, ranging from eye and respiratory irritation to more serious effects such as organ damage and cancer, depending on the type and level of exposure. The identification of VOCs by their full name reinforces their significance in monitoring and managing workplace and environmental health risks.

The other options provided do not accurately represent the widely accepted terminology, with "Volatile Organic Chemicals" being a less common variant, "Volatile Odorous Compounds" focusing solely on the odor aspect rather than the broader chemical classification, and "Volatile Ozone Components" being misleading as it incorrectly includes ozone, which is not classified as a VOC.