LEED Green Associate Practice Test

Which of the following best describes volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

1. Chemicals that contribute to ozone depletion

2. Substances that can evaporate and affect air quality

3. Materials that are resistant to decay

4. Neutral compounds found in water

The correct answer is: Substances that can evaporate and affect air quality

The best description of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is that they are substances that can evaporate and affect air quality. VOCs are a large group of chemicals that easily become vapors or gases at room temperature. They are commonly found in many household products, including paints, solvents, cleaning agents, and air fresheners. When these compounds evaporate, they can contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution, leading to various health and environmental issues. The other options do not accurately capture the nature of VOCs. For instance, while some VOCs can contribute to ozone formation at ground level, not all VOCs are involved in ozone depletion or directly related to that process. Additionally, VOCs are not known for being resistant to decay; this characteristic is typically associated with certain materials like plastics or metals, which do not fall under the definition of VOCs. Lastly, VOCs are not neutral compounds found in water; rather, they can be hydrophobic and usually seek to evaporate into the air rather than stay dissolved in water. This makes the chosen option the most aligned with the essential characteristics of VOCs.