Descriptive epidemiology of indoor odor complaints at a large teaching institution
- Boston Univ. Medical Center, MA (United States)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (United States)
- West Virginia Univ. School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV (United States)
Investigation of indoor odor complaints consumes a substantial portion of the time and resources of many industrial hygiene offices, yet very little information has been published on the subject. We examined 3 years of data on indoor odor complaints at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts in order to identify factors that may trigger complaints of odors. Plumbing and maintenance accounted for the majority of activities responsible for the identified sources (35% of calls), while research and teaching activities accounted for only 11 percent of calls. A larger number of calls were received during the winter months when windows are closed and school is in session. There was generally good correlation between the description of an odor by a complainant and the actual source. Offices/secretarial areas/office support rooms accounted for almost half of the calls, while laboratory facilities accounted for 19 percent of the calls. Despite the fact that the chemistry department was responsible for the most number of calls, the odor sources from these complaints were related primarily to plumbing (dried sink and floor drains) and not the chemicals used for research and teaching. Four types of abatement measures were used when odor sources could be identified: natural dissipation of the odor (23%), advice for prevention of future odors (11%), controlling an odor source (16%), and correction of the odor source (33%). We conclude that the majority of sources of indoor odors which trigger complaints are related to the maintenance of the physical plant, and that complaints are likely to be generated by unfamiliarity with certain odors. Recommendations are given to help reduce indoor odors and the time-consuming investigations into complaints from these odors. 10 refs., 4 figs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 447011
- Journal Information:
- Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Journal Name: Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 9; ISSN AOEHE9; ISSN 1047-322X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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