Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by a wide array of household products, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics, and craft materials, including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

Concentrations of many VOCs may be 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. Many green-minded consumers are using low VOC products in their remodeling projects and may ask if a home for sale has incorporated low VOC products.