Which element is a major component of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are primarily made up of carbon-based molecules. Carbon is a fundamental building block of organic chemistry and is essential in forming the molecular structure of VOCs. These compounds often contain hydrogen and can include other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and halogens, but carbon is the consistent core element that defines them as organic.

When discussing VOCs, it's important to recognize that they are a varied group of chemicals, including solvents, alcohols, and hydrocarbons, all of which must contain carbon. The presence of carbon allows these compounds to exhibit volatility under normal atmospheric conditions, contributing to issues in indoor air quality. Thus, identifying carbon as a major component highlights its critical role in the formation and behavior of VOCs in various environments, particularly in enclosed spaces where concentrations can impact health and air quality.