Handbook of Solvents - George Wypych - ChemTech - Ventech!

18.1 Measurement and estimation of solvents emission and odor 1221
Table 18.1.8. Odor thresholds of selected compounds from literature
[Geruchs-Immissions-Richtlinie] 34
Compound Odor threshold, mg/m³ Compound Odor threshold, mg/m³
Butyl acetate 0.03 Ethanol 19.1
Ethyl acetate 22 1-butanol 0.4
Benzene 16.2 Acetone 48
Toluene 7.6 Ethyl acrylate 0.002
Xylene 0.35 Dichloromethane 706
Figure 18.1.7. Interdependence of odorant concentration
and odor intensity in an artificial example.
Figure 18.1.7 shows the interaction
between odorant concentration and odor intensity
in an artificial example. 41
Odor intensity is assessed by means of
a scale from 1 to 6 [VDI 3882/1] 39 (Table
18.1.9).
Table 18.1.9. Correlation of odor with an
intensity level
Odor Intensity level
Extremely high 6
Very high 5
High 4
Moderate 3
Low 2
Very low 1
No scent 0
Hedonic odor tone
An odor may be quantified by determining the odor concentration, the character of the
odor (pleasant or unpleasant) is not considered.
Unpleasant odors may result in deteriorating
health and should therefore be
avoided.
By determining the hedonic odor effect,
the emotional reaction initiated by an
irritation to the sense of smell may be included.
It should not be confused with the
kind of smell (it smells like ...) or with the
Figure 18.1.8. Evaluation of the hedonic effect of an odor
sample [VDI 3882/2]. 40
odor intensity (it smells “strong” to
“weak”). It may be determined not only for