Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOC's, are released from furnishings, construction materials, and consumer products. Though VOC's are often thought of in the gas phase, they can condense as particles or be absorbed by inorganic particles which then undergo chemical transformation. People often sense the presence of VOC's through their sense of smell.
New buildings often contain higher concentrations of VOC's than older buildings. This is because the emission of VOC's from paint, furniture, wood finishes, carpet, vinyl flooring, and plastic parts is often highest when new. Everyone is familiar with the "new house" or "new car" smell.