Odor thresholds for 2,4,6 -trichloroanisole reviewed in the context of indoor air quality

• Chloroanisoles have received minimal attention in research on indoor air quality (IAQ) although they can affect comfort and maybe also health when levels are sufficiently high to evoke malodor. Here, we review the literature for odor thresholds (OT) for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole to estimate at which concentrations air is perceived as malodorous, and discuss the caveats in measuring and comparing OTs. In general, reported OTs for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole are extremely low but still in the range measured in indoor air of problem buildings, as we reported recently (Lorentzen et. al., 2015). However, OTs vary considerably due to methodological constraints such as different methods of stimulus presentation. Only one study (not published in a peer reviewed journal) reports OTs in air, and the data suggest that 2,4,6-trichloroanisole can be among the most potent microbial odors. Additional studies are therefore warranted. It will also be important in future studies to investigate the perceived odor quality of CAs in the context of IAQ problems with dampness and mold.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Health and Environmental Health (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Building Related Illness

Olfaction

Psychology

Sick Building Syndrome

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)