휘발성 유기화합물(Volatile Organic Compounds, VOCs)이란?

휘발성 유기화합물(Volatile Organic Compounds, VOCs)은 탄소를 포함한 화학 물질로, 상대적으로 낮은 온도에서 쉽게 기화되어 대기 중에 떠다니는 성질을 가지고 있습니다. 이러한 물질들은 페인트, 페인트 얇은제, 연료, 용매, 세정제, 코팅제, 인쇄 잉크, 화장품, 가구 등 다양한 제품과 공정에서 발생하며, 실내외의 공기오염물질로 알려져 있습니다.

VOCs는 건강에 해로운 영향을 미칠 수 있으며, 아래와 같은 건강 문제를 일으킬 수 있습니다.
1. 눈, 코, 목의 자극 및 알레르기 반응
2. 두통, 현기증, 피로
3. 심장 및 호흡기 질환
4. 신경계 피해
5. 암 발생 위험 증가
또한, VOCs는 대기 중에서 화학 반응을 일으키며, 미세먼지(PM) 및 오존(O3)과 같은 더욱 위험한 대기오염물질을 생성할 수 있습니다. 

이런 이유로 환경 및 건강 위험을 줄이기 위해 VOCs의 배출량을 줄이려는 정부 규제 및 노력들이 이루어지고 있습니다.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that contain carbon and are easily vaporized at relatively low temperatures, causing them to float in the air. They are found in a variety of products and processes, including paints, paint thinners, fuels, solvents, cleaners, coatings, printing inks, cosmetics, and furniture, and are known as indoor and outdoor air pollutants.

VOCs can have adverse health effects and can cause the following health problems
1. eye, nose, and throat irritation and allergic reactions
2. headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
3. heart and respiratory problems
4. nervous system damage
5. increased risk of cancer
In addition, VOCs can cause chemical reactions in the atmosphere and produce more dangerous air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3). 

For these reasons, government regulations and efforts are being made to reduce emissions of VOCs to reduce environmental and health risks.