What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) known to contribute to?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature, which allows them to easily evaporate into the atmosphere. They are known contributors to the formation of ozone and smog because when they react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight, they produce ground-level ozone. This ozone is a key component of smog, and it can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

The relevance of VOCs in this context is significant, as their presence in the air can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems for living organisms. Therefore, understanding the role of VOCs in air quality and the chemical processes that lead to smog formation is crucial for effective environmental management and public health policies.