About Odourpedia

Most people take their sense of smell for granted and have little knowledge about how they perceive odours, nevermind trying to describe them. Basic education and odour training has been identified as a key element in developing the concept of citizen science based odour studies and interventions. To be able to communicate effectively about odour issues, all stakeholders must have a common understanding and vocabulary. Odourpedia will become a reference point for the concepts relevant to the D-NOSES project and the work of Odour Observatory. Information will be presented in a simple way that will allow all stakeholders to become quickly acquainted with the basic facts and issues.

  • For Citizens, it will provide information about the types of odours that they might encounter,  and  information on the common sources.
  • For Emitters, It will provide information on the available tools and techniques to alleviate the odour problems.
  • For Policy makers, it will provide information on the effects of odours, and existing regulations and standards, as well as suggested improvements.

The Odourpedia will mostly be a compendium of facts and useful information that the D-NOSES project will collect along the way, that will help educate visitors about odour issues and allow them to fully participate in the debate.

Glossary

Odour – Airborne chemicals emanating from water, objects, one’s body, flowers or fragrance that stimulate the olfactory system. The characteristic smell of something.

Olfaction – The sense of smell.

Olfactory nerve – The nerve – consisting of a bundle of many sensory fibres – that transmits impulses from the olfactory receptor cells to the brain.

Olfactory Neurones or Receptor Cells – These are cells embedded in a layer of mucous membrane at the top of the nasal cavity that generate an impulse on detection of an odour molecule from whatever substance we are smelling.  Humans have around 6 million receptor cells in each nostril.

Odour Fatigue – Odor fatigue results from overlong exposure to an odor, or too many at one time. The nose can no longer discern any particular smell.

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Odours – Inorganics 

Hydrogen Sulfide

Molecule: H2S
Threshold: 0.0047 ppb
Odour Description: Rotten eggs

Common Sources: 

  • Municipal Landfills
  • Wastewater Treatment
  • Refineries
  • Paper pulp processing
  • Livestock Farming

Possible Health and Environmental Effects:

Highly poisonous, possibly causing collapse, coma and respiratory failure within a few seconds at very high levels.

Lower concentrations may irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Following an exposure there may be headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

Repeated exposures may cause headaches, anorexia, insomnia, slowed heart rate, bronchitis and a grey-green line on the gums.

Cases:

Ammonia

Molecule: NH3
Threshold: 17 ppb
Odour Description: Pungent, Urine

Common Sources:

  • Livestock Farming
  • Industrial Production
  • Oil refineries

Possible Health and Environmental Effects:

High levels can cause irritation and serious burns on the skin, and in the mouth, throat (laryngitis), lungs (pulmonary oedema) and eyes (conjunctivitis).

Low environmental concentrations of ammonia will not affect humans.

Individuals that may be more sensitive to ammonia are those with reduced liver function, corneal disease, glaucoma or respiratory diseases (e.g. asthmatics).

Cases:

Chlorine

Molecule: Cl2
Threshold: 0.08 ppb
Odour Description: Suffocating, Bleach

Common Sources:

  • Wastewater Treatment,
  • Waste Incineration
  • Industry

Possible Health and Environmental Effects:

In high concentrations, chlorine causes emphysema and damage to the pulmonary blood vessels. Symptoms can include nausea and vomiting; headaches and dizziness; fainting.

Exposure to low concentrations can cause burning of eyes, nose, and mouth; runny nose, coughing, sneezing.

Small amounts of chlorine causes few or no symptoms, like irritation to the nose and eyes.

Populations at risk from chlorine exposure are individuals with pulmonary disease, breathing problems, bronchitis, or chronic lung conditions.

Cases:

Sulfur Dioxide

Molecule: SO2
Threshold: 2.7 ppb
Odour Description: Irritating, Burnt Matches

Common Sources:

  • Power plants
  • Industrial Processes
  • Refineries

Possible Health and Environmental Effects:

It can irritate the nose, throat, and airways to cause coughing, choking, shortness of breath, or a tight feeling around the chest.

Repeated or prolonged exposure to moderate concentrations may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, wheezing and lung damage.

Those most at risk of developing problems are people with asthma or similar conditions.

Sulfur dioxide emissions are a precursor to acid rain and atmospheric particulates.

Cases:

Nitrogen Dioxide

Molecule: NO2
Threshold: 2.7 ppb
Odour Description: Acrid, Metallic

Common Sources:

  • Vehicle Exhaust
  • Power Plants
  • Refineries

Possible Health and Environmental Effects:

Breathing high levels of oxides of nitrogen can cause rapid burning, spasms and swelling of tissues in the throat and upper respiratory tract, reduced oxygenation of tissues, a build up of fluid in the lungs.

Low levels of oxides of nitrogen can irritate eyes, nose, throat and lungs, possibly leading to coughing, shortness of breath, tiredness and nausea.

Studies suggest chronic exposure may predispose individuals to chronic lung diseases, including infection and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Cases:

Ozone

Molecule: O3
Threshold: 0.5 ppb
Odour Description: Pungent, Metallic

Common Sources:

  • Vehicle Exhaust
  • Chemical Plants
  • Refineries

Possible Health and Environmental Effects:

Ozone can irritate the lining of the nose, airways and lungs.

Enough exposure may cause some pain in their ears, eyes, nose and throat, and they might start to cough. Chest pains can also occur in some people.

People with asthma might have more attacks and athletes might find it harder to perform as well as usual.

Cases:

Odours – Mercaptans

Ethyl Mercaptan

Molecule: C2H5SH
Threshold: 0.0003 ppb
Odour Description: Rotten Cabbage

Common Sources:

  • Municipal Landfill
  • Chemical Plants

Possible Health and Environmental Effects:

Signs high level exposure are ocular and mucous membrane irritation, headache, dizziness, staggering gait, nausea, and vomiting.

Prolonged low level exposure can lead to olfactory fatigue and irritation to the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose.

Cases:

Methyl Mercaptan

Molecule: CH3SH
Threshold: 0.0005 ppb
Odour Description: Rotten Vegetables

Common Sources:

  • Wastewater Treatment
  • Paper pulp processing

Possible Health and Environmental Effects:

High level exposure can cause nausea and vomiting and dizziness, headache, and lack of coordination.

Lower level exposure may cause immediate irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and shortness of breath, as well as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tearing of the eyes.

Cases:

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