Toxic Tort Legal Glossary: V

Vapor: The gas given off by substances that are solids or liquids at ordinary atmospheric pressure and temperatures.

Vapor Dispersion: The movement of vapor clouds or plumes in the air due to wind, gravity, spreading, and mixing.

Vegetative Controls: Non-point source pollution control practices that involve plants (vegetative cover) to reduce erosion and minimize the loss of pollutants.

Verdict: The decision of a jury, which must be accepted by the trial judge to be final. A judgment by a judge sitting without a jury is not a verdict.

Vinyl Chloride: A chemical compound, used in producing some plastics, that is believed to be oncogenic.

Vioxx: A drug prescribed to help ease acute pains associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual cramps, migraines, and other painful conditions. Merck & Co. voluntarily withdrew its painkiller drug from the worldwide market on September 30, 2004. The drug has been linked to cardiovascular risks, such as heart attack and stroke.

Virus: The smallest form of microorganisms capable of causing disease. Especially, a virus of fecal origin that is infectious to humans by waterborne transmission.

Voir Dire: The questioning of prospective jurors by a judge and attorneys in court to determine if there is cause not to allow a juror to serve; or questions asked to determine the competence of an alleged expert witness; or any hearing outside the presence of the jury held during trial.

Volatile Organic Compound: Any organic compound which evaporates readily to the atmosphere. VOCs contribute significantly to photochemical smog production and certain health problems.

Vulnerable Zone: An area over which the airborne concentration of a chemical accidentally released could reach the level of concern.