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Title: Odor investigation of a Portland cement plant

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OSTI ID:347814
 [1]
  1. Intertox, Inc., Seattle, WA (United States)

The main concern expressed by Smithville residents is whether the odors they were smelling during odor events were due to chemicals that could cause adverse health effects. Odors were allegedly emanating from the town`s Portland cement plant. The purpose of the study was to measure the ambient air for 20 reduced sulfur, 50 volatile organic compounds, and air samples for olfactometric analysis. Carbonyl sulfide was found to be at a concentration that could create a sense of odor and irritation. This sense of irritation may be due to a physiological response by the central nervous system, and is not associated with any known adverse effects. This physiological response could account for some or all of the irritation experienced by residents during odor events. Comparing chemical concentrations that were detected in air samples to standard and recognized guidelines for acceptable exposure, all measured concentrations were found to be well below the acceptable criteria. From these data the authors conclude that no acute or chronic adverse health effects are expected at the concentrations of the chemicals detected downwind of the cement plant, either routinely or during odor events.

OSTI ID:
347814
Report Number(s):
CONF-9804112-; TRN: IM9923%%352
Resource Relation:
Conference: Waste combustion in boilers and industrial furnaces specialty conference, Kansas City, MO (United States), 15-17 Apr 1998; Other Information: PBD: 1998; Related Information: Is Part Of Waste combustion in boilers and industrial furnaces: Proceedings; PB: 370 p.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English