Sniffin’ Sticks and Olfactometer-Based Odor Thresholds for n-Butanol: Correspondence and Validity for Indoor Air Scenarios

Abstract

Threshold assessments for the reference odorant n-butanol are an integral part of various research, clinical, and environmental sensory testing procedures. However, the practical significance of a high or low threshold for n-butanol beyond a particular testing environment and procedure are often unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine between-method correlations and to investigate the association between the n-butanol threshold and perceptual/behavioral odor effects in natural breathing scenarios in 35 healthy adults. The thresholds for n-butanol derived from the Sniffin’ Sticks test and determined by the ascending limit dynamic dilution olfactometry procedure were significantly correlated (∣r∣ = 0.47). However, only the thresholds determined by olfactometry were significantly correlated to the odor detection of n-butanol in an exposure lab. Moreover, participants with a higher sensitivity for n-butanol in the olfactometer-based assessment rated ammonia, during a 75 min exposure, to be more unpleasant and showed better performance in a simultaneous 3-back task than participants with lower sensitivity. The results of this study suggest that beyond the strict parameters of a certain psychophysical procedure, the threshold for n-butanol can be a meaningful indicator of odor detection and effects in some cases.

Chemical Intolerance Is Associated With Altered Response Bias, not Greater Sensory Sensitivity

“…"yes" responses), was slightly below dilution step 10 (10.03/0.24 mg/m 3 ), with an SD of 1.29; a value close to previously reported thresholds assessed with dynamic olfactometry (Pacharra et al, 2020).…”

“…Distribution of responses for the different stimuli for the entire sample is presented in Figure 2 . The Reiz Limen, or stimulus threshold (i.e., the concentration representing 50% “yes” responses), was slightly below dilution step 10 (10.03/0.24 mg/m 3 ), with an SD of 1.29; a value close to previously reported thresholds assessed with dynamic olfactometry ( Pacharra et al., 2020 ).…”

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“…Hence, the trajectories pattern here observed might be specific to n-butanol and other odorants might yield different results in patients and controls. In addition, some trace elements of ambient air may be inhaled during SSET (Williams and Ringsdorf 2020 ) and n-butanol is an abundant volatile organic compound in indoor air environment (Pacharra et al 2020 ). Thus, a possible influence of these air elements on the olfactory receptors neurons (ORNs) cannot be excluded.…”

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