Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature. Commonly found in many household products including carpets, cleaning products and adhesives, they emit potentially harmful levels of chemicals into the air for many months after application.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, research has shown that high or prolonged exposure to VOCs can yield adverse effects, including eye and throat irritation, headaches, asthma, liver damage, complications to the central nervous system and cancer.