Original Article
The health significance of environmental odour pollution: revisited
Article first published online: 28 FEB 2001
DOI: 10.1002/jem.38
Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1099-1301/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=c2ba6eeab3b301dd1100c90bdcf0190d6c135686 "Journal of Environmental Medicine")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Shusterman, D. (1999), The health significance of environmental odour pollution: revisited. J. Environ. Med., 1: 249–258. doi: 10.1002/jem.38
Publication History
- Issue published online: 28 FEB 2001
- Article first published online: 28 FEB 2001
- Manuscript Accepted: 3 AUG 2000
- Manuscript Received: 20 MAR 2000
Funded by
- National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders. Grant Number: K23 00121
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- air pollution;
- odors;
- symptoms;
- pathophysiology;
- epidemiology
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.