Analysis of the influence of panel characteristics on odor measurement based on the air dilution olfactory method in Korea

Abstract

This study was to objectify differences in the results of odor testing according to the characteristics of panel members that participate in air dilution olfactory method (ADOM) testing. When differences in the results of olfactory testing were reviewed in relation to characteristics of the panelists, the result of entire panels for the site boundary Proficiency Testing Materials (PTMs) showed no difference according to panelist sex, age, smoking status, and past participation in ADOM tests. As for the outlet PTMs, distinct differences appeared in relation to the smoking status and age of panelists. The frequency distribution for all the panelists (Dev(D/Ttotal)) showed a form similar to a normal distribution, so it is thought to be more appropriate for the review of effect of panelist characteristics on the result of air dilution olfactory tests. In addition, the ADOM testing method implemented as the standard method for odor compounds in Korea (Dev(D/T3)) will have to be implemented along with a concurrent assessment, for the purpose of identifying the effect of panelist characteristics on administrative dispositions against malodors. Keywords: Odor, Olfactory sense, Olfactory test, Panelists, Proficiency testing materials