What is a commonly recognized volatile organic compound?

Formaldehyde is a commonly recognized volatile organic compound (VOC) that is frequently found in indoor environments. VOCs are chemicals that can easily become vapors or gases at room temperature, and formaldehyde is often released from various building materials and household products such as particleboard, plywood, and certain adhesives. Due to its widespread presence in indoor air and its potential health effects, including respiratory issues and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, formaldehyde is important to monitor when assessing indoor air quality.

In contrast, while carbon dioxide and ozone are significant in discussing air quality, they do not fall under the category of VOCs. Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas that plays a role in respiratory processes and is not classified as a volatile organic compound. Ozone, although it can impact air quality, is typically discussed in the context of outdoor air pollution and is not a VOC in the same sense. Nitrous oxide is also not classified as a VOC; it is a gas often associated with combustion processes and agricultural practices. Thus, formaldehyde stands out as the clear example of a volatile organic compound among the options presented.