Media Center - Resources - Odor Info Center
Odors are at the origin of over 70% of complaints concerning air quality
Among environmental nuisances in general, odors are the second most frequent source of complaints after noise. Odors often account for over 70% of air quality complaints. The scientific literature clearly states that exposure to odors may cause a psychosomatic effect and a health problem. A strong consensus has been reached within the scientific community on the impossibility of determining the sensorial perception level of an odor from chemical analysis. Only olfactometry can yield the odor level perceived in the case of complex odorant mixtures, such as field samples. Dynamic dilution olfactometry measurement of odors is standardized; these methods can be used to characterize every dimension of an odor (intensity, concentration, hedonic character, quality).
The odor impact study methodology assesses the impact of odor emissions upon a target area, by characterizing the emissions and modelling atmospheric dispersion. This approach is recommended for an objective technical assessment of the impact of a project.
Odor regulations throughout the world
Olfactory pollution has been targeted by new regulations in many countries in order to provide clear regulatory definitions and reference levels for effective decision-making by the authorities and the community as a whole, both neighbors and industrial plants. The following is a short list of recent developments in the field of odor legislation and standardization throughout the world, supporting this general trend:
- Europe published in 2003 the EM 13725 standard for odor measurement by means of dynamic dilution olfactometry,
- The United States updated in 2004 their ASTME679 standard on odor measurement,
- Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United States as well as other countries have specific legislation on the criteria in odor units per cubic meter of air (u.o./m3) supported by detailed official guidelines on odor sampling, characterization and measurement.
Clear odor legislation is useful both for the authorities and for the population and all the stakeholders. The situations are managed within a well-defined regulatory framework, which avoids subjective interpretations both by the operators of the site generating the odors and the complaining neighbors. The inability to base oneself on specific regulation is a major impediment to any kind of negotiation, and it usually leads to deadlock.
More information about existing Rules & Regulations throughout the world:
Odour Management in British Columbia: Review and Recommendations (March 2005)
Good Practice Guide for Assessing and Managing Odour in New Zealand (June 2003)
Netherlands Emission Guidelines for Air
More information about complaints concerning odors and air quality: