Structure and determinants of psychophysiological response to odorant/irritant air pollution

From a psychophysiological point of view, acute effects of indoor air pollution with odorant/irritant properties can be evaluated in terms of sensory/perceptual factors, in terms of objective eye/mucous membrane irritation or systemic responses of the orienting reflex, as well as in terms of either specific or systemic psychological responses. Formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide are used to illustrate sensory evaluation in terms of detection (absolute thresholds), suprathreshold intensity, and hedonic tone. Dose-response contingencies are exemplified for ETS-induced eye irritation in terms of eyeblinks and lacrymal flow. Orienting responses to odorant stimuli are illustrated using peripheral vasoconstriction and pupil dilation as outcome measures. Specific (descriptive statements and symptoms) as well as systemic psychological responses (annoyance) exhibited clear-cut dose-response association in chamber studies using ETS and hydrogen sulfide exposures. It is, furthermore, shown that environmental annoyance to different environmental stressors exhibits both trait and state characteristics, and that age, perceived health, and (to a smaller degree) gender moderate the response. Based on this information proposals for research needs are given.