Measurement of odours by sensory analysis or 'olfactometry'

Abstract

Olfactometry or measurement of odours by sensory analysis is used to quantify odours. The available methods are used to measure three variables: odour concentration, odour intensity and odour annoyance. The first two variables are measured by a panel of pre-selected experts and the third relies on a local population panel. Measurement of these three variables can characterise the different odour sources of a site and compare them; it can also characterise the environment of the source of odour.