Volatile organic compound

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. They are common and exist in a variety of settings and products, not limited to upholstered furniture, arts and crafts supplies, dry cleaned clothing, and cleaning supplies. VOCs are responsible for the odor of scents and perfumes as well as pollutants.

They play an important role in communication between animals and plants, such as attractants for pollinators, protection from predation, and even inter-plant interactions.
Some VOCs are dangerous to human health or cause harm to the environment, often despite the odor being perceived as pleasant, such as "new car smell".

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Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0