Identification of Community Odor Problems by Use of an Observer Corps

Abstract

To evaluate the major odors affecting a community, approximately 120 high school students recorded odor observations. Simultaneous odor observations were made three times daily for 14 consecutive days each in a fall and spring survey. The observers were tested for olfactory sensitivity, and population characteristics were recorded for analyses of the human variables. These data were analyzed to show the areas most severely affected, the major objectionable odor types, the time when odors were most frequent, and the associated weather parameters. A critique of the procedures employed and the results of the survey are presented.