What Odor Is
Biodegradation produces more than 100 smelling organic compound
Finnish research
A research was done in Finland determining the guideline values for odor and the general odor situation in Finland. According to the research, odor can be determined as a severe source of discomfort when 25 -50 % of people experience it as a nuisance. The clear odor appearance frequency is then 3 % – 9 %. The 3 % indicating clearly unpleasant and disturbing odors, the 9 % indicating odors which have more variation in the level of discomfort experienced.
A comparison with guideline values abroad gives some indication as to what level of odor can be seen as acceptable.
Source: VTT
Benefits of odor removal
Comfortable atmosphere
Better corporate image, avoiding complaints
Reducing corrosion
Extending the lifespan of products by removing corroding gas combinations
Increasing the value of land and real estate
Properties suffering from unpleasant odors can be taken into effective use
Enabling the use of environmentally friendly technologies
Controlling odors deriving from managing and storing biowaste
Examples of odors
Chemical group | Compound | Typical smell |
Sulfides | Hydrogen sulphide | Rotten egg |
Mercaptans | Methanethiol | Rotten vegetables |
Amines | Ammonia Ethylamine |
Urine, rotten fish, rotten meat |
Fatty acids with odor | Butyric acid | Rancid butter |
Aldehydes | Formalin | Pungent, bitter |
Ketones | Acetone | Acrid |