abbreviation for volatile organic compound: a type of compound (= a chemical that combines two or more elements) containing carbon that changes easily into a gas and that can be harmful to people's health or to the environment

They are studying cancer risks near all busy roads where elevated VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels are likely. 他们正在研究所有繁忙道路附近的癌症风险，这些地方的 VOC（挥发性有机化合物）水平可能会升高。

VOCs react with sunlight to produce ground-level ozone, which can irreparably harm lung function. 挥发性有机化合物与阳光发生反应，产生地面臭氧，对肺功能造成不可弥补的损害。