ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Non-methane volatile organic compound

Non-methane volatile organic compound (NMVOC) is a very long and tricky name, but don't worry, it can be explained in a simple way.

First, let's understand what "organic compound" means. Organic compounds are things that are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are the building blocks of life and can be found in many things around us, like plants, animals, and even in the air we breathe.

Now, let's talk about "volatile." This means that the organic compound can easily change into a gas. For example, think about how a piece of fruit starts to smell stronger as it gets older - that's because it's releasing volatile organic compounds into the air.

Finally, the "non-methane" part of the name simply refers to organic compounds that do not contain the chemical element methane. Methane is a type of gas that is commonly released into the atmosphere and can contribute to climate change.

So, putting it all together, "non-methane volatile organic compounds" are organic compounds that can easily turn into gas and do not contain methane. They can come from many things, like paints, cleaning products, and even natural sources like trees and flowers. It's important to pay attention to these compounds because they can have negative effects on the environment and on human health if they are not properly controlled.