Olfaction and environment: Tsimane' of Bolivian rainforest have lower threshold of odor detection than industrialized German people.

Agnieszka Sorokowska,Tomas Huanca,Thomas Hummel,Piotr Sorokowski,Wulfila Gronenberg

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0069203

Agnieszka Sorokowska, Tomas Huanca + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069203

Copy DOI

Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Jul 29, 2013
Citations: 64	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: TU Dresden, University of Wrocław

Abstract

Olfactory sensitivity varies between individuals. However, data regarding cross-cultural and inter-group differences are scarce. We compared the thresholds of odor detection of the traditional society of Tsimane’ (native Amazonians of the Bolivian rainforest; n = 151) and people living in Dresden (Germany; n = 286) using “Sniffin’ Sticks” threshold subtest. Tsimane’ detected n-butanol at significantly lower concentrations than the German subjects. The distribution of thresholds of the Tsimane’ was very specific, with 25% of Tsimane’ obtaining better results in the olfactory test than any member of the German group. These data suggest that differences in olfactory sensitivity seem to be especially salient between industrialized and non-industrialized populations inhabiting different environmental conditions. We hypothesize that the possible sources of such differences are: (i) the impact of pollution which impairs the olfactory abilities of people from industrialized countries; (ii) better training of olfaction because of the higher importance of smell in traditional populations; (iii) environmental pressures shaping olfactory abilities in these populations.

Highlights

Olfaction contributes significantly to perception of the environment
Our results suggest that some Tsimane’ might have even lower thresholds than those tested the method described here
The German group comprised healthy, non-smoking adults whose socioeconomic background ensured professional health care starting in the moment of their conception and lasting throughout their lives

Summary

Introduction

Olfaction contributes significantly to perception of the environment. It enables people to learn the odors relevant to particular life experiences and their specific environment [1]. A decrease in the quality of life resulting from olfactory dysfunction hints at the importance of smell [8]. Inter-individual differences can be general [9] or they can concern specific odors [11]. Differences in general olfactory acuity can result from many factors, such as age [12,13], sex, smoking habits, or body weight of an individual [12]. Olfactory dysfunctions, such as those resulting from environmental pollution [14], neurodegenerative diseases [15] or infections [16] might account for differences in olfactory acuity

Methods

Results

Conclusion