off-gas

1 of 2

noun

ˈȯf-ˌgas 

plural off-gases also off-gasses

: a gas that is produced as a by-product of an industrial process or that is given off by a manufactured object or material

Refinery off-gases from fluid catalytic cracking could be a source of ethylene.

—Predicasts Technology Update

off-gas

2 of 2

verb

off-gassed; off-gassing

transitive + intransitive

: to give off a typically harmful gas

In addition, OSHA intends to amend the hazard communication provisions of the standard to require hazard warning labels for solid materials capable of off-gassing formaldehyde at levels between 0.1 ppm and 0.5 ppm …

—Chemical & Engineering News

… there have been environmental concerns about the phenol formaldehyde binders used in most engineered-wood products, which can off-gas.

—Max Alexander

Examples of off-gas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Boxed mattresses also usually need at least a few days to expand and fully air out (or off-gas) so hold off on dumping your old one. —Kells McPhillips, SELF, 1 Aug. 2024

Some fabrics, carpets and other textiles can off-gas for months or years, putting the household that chose it – and future buyers of that home – at risk. —Jamie Gold, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023

As the cabin overheated, food would begin to spoil, photographic film would be damaged, and materials would begin to break down and off-gas, making the air unbreathable. —IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2023

Fabrics can also off-gas, which is the occurrence of chemicals used to manufacture the material leaching into the air. —Jamie Gold, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023

Do memory foam pillows off-gas? —Jack Byram, Health, 12 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1955, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1974, in the meaning defined above