The inability or decreased ability to perceive an odour as continued exposure to that odour increases over time.  An odour may initially be strongly detectable but may diminish completely in a few minutes. Hydrogen sulphide is an example of a chemical that emits a rotten egg smell, but depending on concentration and exposure time, the rotten egg smell will no longer be perceived even though it is still present.  Olfactory fatigue is not desired during olfactometry analysis or ambient odour monitoring.  In the “EN13725 standard”, are allowed for a series of measurements during olfactometry analysis.

During ambient odour monitoring, it is desired to provide rest periods in a neutral environment compared to the one odour is present if possible.  An example may include a vehicle, which may act as a separate environment to the one ambient odour monitoring is taking place. Perfumeries use coffee bean odour to ‘reset’ the olfactory sense. Also, having neutral odourless air to be smelled for a few minutes may help reset the olfactory sense.

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Anosmia is the temporary or permanent complete loss of ability to perceive odour. Temporary anosmia is most commonly a result of infection or nasal blockage. Permanent loss of smell may be due to olfactory nerve damage or a brain injury. A person may have a loss of smell for one particular scent, known as specific anosmia. If an assessor is noticed to detect odours during analysis but is not detecting a specific odour this may be due to specific anosmia.

Anosmia Causes

Nasal congestion from a cold, allergies, infections, or even poor air quality can trigger a loss of smell. Other causes include:

• Polyps, small growths (not cancer-related) in the sinus blocking the nasal passage.
• Some form of injury to the nose or a form of head trauma triggering it.
• Exposure to VOCs or other harmful chemicals
• Nasal-based drug use.
• Old age. One’s sense of smell is strongest between the ages of 30 and 60, however, it begins to decline after age 60.
• Certain medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, Vitamin deficiencies, congenital conditions, and hormonal disturbances.
• Radiation treatment of head and neck cancers.

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