Authors:

Rashmika Manipati

Date Created:

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About Paper:

Commonly used household and personal care products, which are categorized as volatile chemical products (VCPs), contain and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. Extensive research has already been conducted on the physical effects of VOCs on human beings. However, the effects of VOCs on human emotional and physiological responses have received less attention and remain less explored, with no definitive conclusions regarding their specific impacts. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by scented volatile chemical products (sVCPs) on the emotional and physiological responses of humans and to characterize and identify VOCs. This study aims to achieve this by developing and using a controlled olfaction chamber in combination with a high-resolution proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS). The scented volatile chemical products (sVCPs) are placed inside the olfaction chamber in order to fully isolate the product emissions from outside contaminants. Additionally, the PTR-TOF-MS is utilized to monitor and measure the type and quantity of VOCs released by the sVCPs. Simultaneously, participants are directed to inhale the emissions from the chamber through a specifically designed sniffing port. At various linear intervals, the participant's heart rate and blood-oxygen saturation levels are monitored using a smartwatch. Concurrently, the participant's odor assessment is conducted using the Geneva Emotion and Odor Scale (GEOS), allowing for the subjective evaluation of the perceived odors. By combining objective physiological measurements with subjective odor assessments, researchers can gain insights into the potential physiological and emotional effects. Overall, the findings from this research will contribute valuable knowledge that can facilitate informed decision-making when it comes to purchasing and using household products.

Source:

Purdue University / 2023

Topics:

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Co-authors:

Rashmika Manipati