Characteristics and controls of odors in living environments

― The relationship between odor perception, comfort, and health impact ―

抄録

Odors in living environments are considered an essential factor related to air cleanliness and air quality. Since indoor air quality issues became more prominent in the 1990s, public awareness of indoor air quality has increased, leading to a growing number of people paying attention to odors in their living spaces. Additionally, there has been an increase in behaviors that actively incorporate fragrances into daily life. As a result, living spaces now contain not only unpleasant odors but also pleasant fragrances, making odors a key element of comfort.

This paper examines the impact of lifestyle changes on odors in living spaces and categorizes different types of unpleasant odors along with their main odorants. Furthermore, it discusses approaches to odor control in indoor environments and presents case studies on odor management in elderly care settings. Additionally, by referencing odor thresholds, the guideline values for indoor air concentration of individual chemicals established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and Architectural Institute of Japan Environmental Standards, Standard of Control and Maintenance of Indoor Odor (AIJES-A0003-2019), this study explores odor perception from both a health and comfort perspective.