Field investigation of odor intensity and acceptability of tobacco smoke in air-conditioned spaces

Abstract

This paper presents basic data for estimating the degree of odor in the air obtained from the results of measurement in air-conditioned office spaces. The measurements were made in an office building in Tokyo on 4 and 5 August 1987. The occupants were asked to evaluate odor intensity on scale and acceptability and to answer some questions about odor, while concentration of carbon dioxide and particles in the air, air temperature and relative humidity were measured. The air was sampled four times a day. The air quality was voted on a scale and the acceptability was judged by the panel which consisted of four men and four women. The concentration of the odor was measured by a triangle test with sample bags. Though the concentrations of CO 2 and particles were low, the odor intensity judged by the panel was high. This is possibly due to background odor. The acceptance by the panel was less than 50%. About 30% of the occupants perceived tobacco smoke as a distinct source of odor.