An odor or odour (see spelling differences) is the object of perception of the sense of olfaction. Odors are also called smells. The term stench or pong is used to describe an unpleasant odor. The term fragrance or aroma is used primarily by the food and cosmetic industry to describe a pleasant odor, and is sometimes used to refer to perfumes. Odors correspond to the objective phenomenon of chemicals dissolved in air, although, as with other senses, psychological factors can play a part in perception.
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Types of odors
Some odors such as perfumes and flowers, are much sought after and large prices are paid for the most elite ones. Other whole industries have developed products to remove unpleasant odors. See deodorant. The perception of odors is also very much dependent upon circumstance. The odor of cooking processes may be agreeable while cooking, but not after the meal when one is full. It is also culturally dependent.
The odour molecules send messages to the Limbic system , the area of the brain that governs emotional responses. These messages have the power to alter moods, evoke distant memories , raise our spirits & boost self confidence. Consequently, Fragrances positively affect sleep , stress , alertness , social interaction and general feelings of well being. Fragrance has thus been recognised as a tool for rebalancing the mind and the body. This recognition has lead to the concept of “Aromatherapy” wherein fragrances are administered in appropriate dosages to cure problems related to the human psychology.
The study of odors
The study of odors is a growing field, but is a complex and difficult one. The human olfactory system can detect many thousands of scents based on only very minute airborne concentrations of a chemical. The sense of smell of many animals is even better. Some fragrant flowers give off odor plumes that move downwind, and are detectable by bees more than a kilometer away
Pheromones
Pheromones are odors that are deliberately used for communication. A female moth may release a pheromone that can entice a male moth that is several kilometres away. Honeybee queens constantly release pheromones that regulate the activity of the hive. Workers can release such odors to call other bees into an appropriate cavity when a swarm moves in, or to "sound" an alarm when the hive is threatened.
Advanced technology
There are hopes that smelling machines could do everything from test perfumes to help detect cancer, but as yet artificial noses are still problematic
External links
- Odors categorized by main chemical constituent and organized by odor class, percept, etc.
- Odors can be quantified for useful applications in industry such as a manufacture wanting to control them for the sake of neigbors who are complaining and wanting to conform to government EPA and local government requirements