Unpleasant odours in workplaces can cause discomfort, affect workers’ physical and psychological well-being, and reduce productivity, although they are not considered a direct indicator of toxicity, and there is no specific regulation for their control. 

   Nevertheless, the presence of bothersome odours can lead to symptoms such as headaches or nausea in some individuals. To address the issue objectively, in 2023 a group of volunteer experts reviewed international methodologies and decided to implement a guide based on the German method and the calculation of the Odour Activity Value (OAV) to estimate the impact of the main odorants in various activities.

Gloria Sánchez*, Carlos Díaz, Ainhoa Anton, Jordi Gascon, Rodrigo Rosales, Ana Oubiña, Antonio Amo, Marc Vinot, Macarena Segarra, Irene Lara, Johana Burbano

   Indoor Environmental Quality Odour Working Group, AMIGO Association, International Environmental Odour Management Society. *ssantos@amb.cat

   The UNE 77270 standard, already published and available in English, has reached an important milestone. Now, an initiative is being launched to secure funding for the next step: advancing the standard to become a European Standard (EN). The goal is to raise funds to initiate the work, and the AMIGO association is leading the charge in gathering support from individuals and organizations interested in this project.

   The idea is to create a Working Group within the Technical Committee TC264 on Air Quality, a space where experts can collaborate on this important topic. Italy is also working on a national standard on the same issue, creating a unique opportunity for collaboration. This initiative follows the model of Working Group 41 (WG41), which was established following the publication of a similar Dutch standard.