Human sensory response to acetone/air mixtures

Area of Science:

• Indoor environmental quality
• Building science
• Sensory science

Background:

• Organic compound emissions from building products impact indoor air quality and odor perception.
• Standardized methods are crucial for assessing chemical emissions and odor acceptability of building materials.
• The ISO 16000-28 standard provides a procedure for odor evaluations in test chambers using trained sensory panels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the procedure for odor evaluations in test chambers according to ISO 16000-28.
• To highlight the role of trained panelists and a comparative intensity scale (Π-scale) in odor assessment.
• To identify sources of uncertainty in the odor evaluation method, particularly during panelist training and calibration.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a panel of eight or more trained subjects to directly assess perceived odor intensity (Π) of air samples.
• Employing acetone/air mixtures within a defined concentration range (20-320 mg/m³) as a reference for panelist training and calibration.
• Conducting evaluations using diffusers within test chambers.

Main Results:

• The training and calibration procedure for panelists introduces significant method uncertainty.
• Key contributors to uncertainty include the assumed odor threshold of acetone and panelist response variability.
• Analytical determination of acetone concentrations and the physical characteristics of diffusers also influence results.

Conclusions:

• The described odor evaluation method, while standardized, is subject to considerable uncertainty.
• Addressing the variability in panelist responses and improving the accuracy of acetone concentration measurements are critical.
• Further research is needed to refine the calibration process and minimize uncertainties for reliable odor assessment of building products.