Which of the following describes a volatile organic compound (VOC)?

A volatile organic compound (VOC) is characterized by its ability to readily evaporate at room temperature. This property is crucial because VOCs can easily enter the atmosphere as gases, contributing to air pollution and potential health risks. The emission of VOCs from various sources, such as paints, solvents, and fuels, can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, which is harmful to both human health and the environment.

While the other options present characteristics that might describe different types of substances, they do not accurately reflect the nature of VOCs. VOCs are often recognized for their low boiling points, allowing them to evaporate quickly and form vapors under normal environmental conditions. Therefore, the defining feature of VOCs is their volatility, or tendency to vaporize easily, especially at room temperature. This understanding is essential for environmental compliance inspectors, as it helps them identify and manage materials that may pose environmental or health risks due to their VOC content.