The health significance of environmental odour pollution: revisited

Abstract

The health impact of environmental odor pollution varies with both the source and the exposed population. Some environmental odors herald toxicologically important exposures. On the other hand, some potent odorants, in particular organic amines and reduced sulfur gases, have odor thresholds several orders of magnitude lower than their thresholds for irritant (or other toxic) effects. Notwithstanding this apparent margin of safety, community members impacted by such emissions often report, not only odor-related annoyance, but also such somatic symptoms as headache, nausea and shortness of breath. This paper reviews potential pathophysiologic mechanisms whereby ordors, per se, may trigger symptoms among exposed individuals. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.