Odour measurement - factors affecting olfactomtry panel performance

The performance of olfactory panel members was examined by statistically analysing 923 individual panel tests on environmental odours and 145 tests on standards. Olfactory sensitivity decreased with age. The group thresholds were about 1 step lower for a 25-year increase in the average age of panel members for piggery, landfill and mushroom composting odours, and the same decrease in sensitivity for a 36-year increase with sewage and industrial coke works odours. The threshold for n-butanol was about 1 step lower for an increase of 15 years in age. People over 40 years old showed a greater variation than younger people. Sensitivity and confidence index differences between male and female were insignificant. The guess and correct' criterion for determining individual thresholds in forced choice olfactometry increased systematic error compared with certain and correct' The latter showed better repeatability.