What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generally characterized by?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are primarily characterized by their quick evaporation rates. This property stems from their chemical nature, which allows them to easily transition from a liquid or solid state into a gaseous state at room temperature. The high volatility of VOCs contributes to their widespread use in various products such as paints, solvents, and personal care items, as it allows them to disperse quickly into the air.

This characteristic is significant not only in industrial and commercial applications but also for environmental considerations, as VOCs can contribute to air pollution and have various health effects upon inhalation. Therefore, option C accurately captures the essence of VOCs by emphasizing their ability to evaporate rapidly, distinguishing them from other types of compounds that may not share this quality.