Dynamic Olfactometry in “Internazionale”: with the technical contribution of LOD

The article published in Internazionale, thanks in part to the technical contribution of LOD, brings attention to a topic that is often underestimated: odors

In the article “Odore di guai” (“Smell of Trouble”), published on July 8, 2025, journalist Alice Facchini invites readers to reflect deeply on the impact of odors: an often “invisible” element in our daily lives, yet with great evocative power. Odours are a social factor, capable of influencing emotions, perceptions, and decisions.

The author presents a simple yet powerful observation: odors speak to us before numbers or official data do. In areas near landfills, waste treatment plants, refineries, or industrial facilities, smell is often the first perceivable sign of environmental impact. It is a subjective perception, yes, but by no means insignificant.

For this reason, odours become a form of early warning, deserving attention also from a technical and scientific perspective.

It is precisely in this transition - from perception to data - thatdynamic olfactometry comes into play. This method, regulated at the European level (UNI EN 13725:2022), as explained by our Technical Manager  Silvia Rivilli in the article, allows for the objective measurement of the odour concentration emitted by a source.

It is a scientific methodology based on the analysis of air samples by a panel of human assessors, conducted in a controlled environment.

At LOD, this is exactly the field we operate in: using standardized methodologies, we work alongside industries, public authorities, and environmental consultants, providing technical and scientific tools that are often required in environmental permitting processes or in discussions with local communities.

Dynamic olfactometry is the only objective and recognized method for quantifying odour concentration, expressed in European Odour Units per cubic metre (ouE/m³). This is carried out using dilution systems known as olfactometers and a trained panel, with analyses performed in dedicated facilities called olfactometric chambers.

This technical-scientific perspective allows us to move beyond sensory perception: in industrial contexts, odour is a critical indicator of environmental impact.

L’olfattometria è il cuore del lavoro di LOD, ma non è sufficiente da sola. Per questo, integriamo il metodo con altre tecnologie e approcci:

• Modellazione di dispersione atmosferica, per stimare la ricaduta delle emissioni sul territorio e quindi l’esposizione della popolazione;
• Indagini sul campo (Odour Field Inspection), per verificare la percezione olfattiva in aree sensibili, impiegando “nasi” addestrati a riconoscere tipologie d’odore target;
• Sistemi di monitoraggio continuo (IOMS), noti più comunemente come nasi elettronici, conformi alla norma UNI 11761:2023, per il controllo in tempo reale e prolungato della presenza di odore;
• Consulenza normativa e tecnica, anche per la redazione di piani di gestione degli odori o il supporto in procedimenti di valutazione autorizzazione ambientale.

Grazie a questo approccio integrato, supportiamo concretamente le imprese in diversi settori - dall’agroalimentare alla gestione rifiuti, dalla chimica alla zootecnia - offrendo soluzioni affidabili, trasparenti e scientificamente fondate.

Olfactometry is at the core of LOD’s work, but it is not sufficient on its own. For this reason, we combine it with other technologies and approaches:

• Atmospheric dispersion modelling, to estimate how emissions spread across the territory and assess population exposure;
• Field investigations (Odour Field Inspection), to verify odour perception in sensitive areas, using trained “noses” capable of recognizing specific target odours;
• Continuous monitoring systems (IOMS), commonly known as electronic noses, compliant with the UNI 11761:2023 standard, for real-time and long-term odour monitoring;
• Regulatory and technical consulting, including the drafting of odour management plans and support in environmental permitting procedures.

Thanks to this integrated approach, we provide concrete support to businesses across various sectors - from agri-food to waste management, from chemicals to livestock farming - offering reliable, transparent and scientifically sound solutions.

The article in Internazionale reminds us that odours are not just nuisances to be contained, but signals to be interpreted. They are not always visible, but often highly expressive.

From this perspective, measuring odours through scientific methods means recognizing their informational value and turning a subjective perception into an opportunity for improvement, for industries, for citizens, and for entire communities.

For more information about our approach and the methodology we apply for measuring and monitoring odour emissions, we invite you to visit the section dedicated to our services.

We are always available for an introductory meeting and to listen to your needs.