Abstract
Threshold assessments for the reference odorant n-butanol are an integral part of various research, clinical, and environmental sensory testing procedures. However, the practical significance of a high or low threshold for n-butanol beyond a particular testing environment and procedure are often unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine between-method correlations and to investigate the association between the n-butanol threshold and perceptual/behavioral odor effects in natural breathing scenarios in 35 healthy adults. The thresholds for n-butanol derived from the Sniffin’ Sticks test and determined by the ascending limit dynamic dilution olfactometry procedure were significantly correlated (∣r∣ = 0.47). However, only the thresholds determined by olfactometry were significantly correlated to the odor detection of n-butanol in an exposure lab. Moreover, participants with a higher sensitivity for n-butanol in the olfactometer-based assessment rated ammonia, during a 75 min exposure, to be more unpleasant and showed better performance in a simultaneous 3-back task than participants with lower sensitivity. The results of this study suggest that beyond the strict parameters of a certain psychophysical procedure, the threshold for n-butanol can be a meaningful indicator of odor detection and effects in some cases.
Highlights
In clinical, research, and environmental assessment practice, odor sensitivity is currently determined almost exclusively with n-butanol (CAS: 71-36-3) as a reference odorant
When a cut-off was applied based on one of the thresholds, Mann-Whitney U tests indicated a significant difference between resultant groups in this threshold
Participants did not differ in relevant psychological variables for odor effects [29] such as negative affectivity and self-reported chemical sensitivity
Summary
Research, and environmental assessment practice, odor sensitivity is currently determined almost exclusively with n-butanol (CAS: 71-36-3) as a reference odorant. Parts of the clinical diagnosis of anosmia, the selection of panel members for sensory emission testing, and participation in olfactory research experiments can depend on an individual’s threshold for n-butanol [1,2]. N-butanol is one of the more abundant and relevant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air environments. The German Environment Agency (UBA) mentioned in their indoor air guidance value document for 1-butanol (synonymical to n-butanol) that this. VOC was found in 75–90% of indoor air samples in various databases and surveys [3]. The UBA report stated that the RW I is above the odor threshold and that the olfactory perceptions need additional considerations
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