Health Effects of Odors Workshop Summary

"Health Effects of Odors" Workshop Summary
Presented to EE-6 Odor Committee
at AWMA 1999 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA

"Health Effects of Odors" Workshop
16-17 April 1998
R. David Thomas Center
The Fuqua School of Business
Duke University, Durham, N.C.

Organized by:	Dr. Susan Schiffman
	Professor of Medical Psychology
	Duke University Medical Center

Sponsored by:	The Environmental Protection Agency and
	The National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders

Purpose:

To evaluate the extent of our knowledge about the potential health effects of odors. A workshop report will be submitted to the EPA based on the recommendations from the group in attendance

Participants:

60 Total Participants
15 Universities
EPA, USDA, NIEHS, State of N.C., and commercial research laboratories
Neurologists, Psychiatrists, Psycologists, Immunologists,
Toxicologists, Agricultural Engineers, Respiratory Specialists,
Otolaryngologists, Epidemiologists, Industrial Hygienists & Industry Specialists.

Participants were required to submit:

5 page summary of the state of knowledge about health effects of odors.
10 relevant references in the area of expertise
5 topics that need more research

Day 1:

Morning

Presentations by 7 participants

Afternoon

Split into 5 breakout groups

Psychology / Legal

Medical

Irritation / Dust / Toxicology

Measurement

Odor Management

Day 2:

Morning

Breakout Groups

Afternoon

Breakout group presentations to the large group

Proceedings:

Expected to be a release on disk or CD ROM. Will include all participants submittals (5 page summary, 10 references, and 5 topics of research) and summaries and conclusions of the five breakout groups. [Status Unknown as of 15 June 1998]

Topics:

Odors (the perception) vs. Odorants (the chemical)
Direct vs. Indirect Health Effects
Positive and Negative Health Effects (odors for good not evil)
Odors vs. Irritants
Current Research
Future Research (types, disciplines, funding, etc.)
Current Toxicology Perspective (little involvement)
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
Legal Perspective

Prepared by:
Michael McGinley, MHS
Industrial Hygienist
St. Croix Sensory, Inc.
www.fivesenses.com

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