Laboratory‐scale Assessment of Chemical Sprays using Dynamic Olfactometry

Abstract

Dynamic olfactometry enables odour quantitation. Presentation of odorous air to human panellists necessitates a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure that panellist health and safety is not compromised. Assessment of odour of samples derived from sprayed pesticide formulations required a three-stage process:

i.
Review of information for all product components to identify health risks;

ii.
Identification and quantification of volatile chemicals in samples destined fo olfactometry,

iii.
Determination of odour concentration by dynamic olfactometry.

The odour strength of air samples derived from commercially available pesticide materials was assessed following spray application in a spray chamber. Measured odour concentrations were combined with application rates and flushing rates to derive specific odour emission rates, thus enabling comparison of odour strength on the basis of the amount of active ingredient in each material sprayed.