2. Sources and impacts of VOCs

2.1 Sources and nature of VOCs

The definitions proposed above imply a variety of organic compounds likely to be encountered in the gaseous emissions of various human activities (figure 1 ). The nature of VOCs in the industrial sector is highly varied, but can be broadly determined (table 1 ). Concentrations vary widely from one area to another, ranging from micrograms per cubic metre to several grams per cubic metre. Concentrations of 5 to 10 g/m ³ are typically measured when degreasing metal parts, while values for paint application in spray booths range from 20 to 500 mg/m...