Area odors

The most widely used pulping process is the kraft process, as shown in Fig. 6-11, which results in recovery and regeneration of the chemicals. This occurs in the recovery furnace, which operates with both oxidizing and reducing zones. Emissions from such recovery furnaces include particulate matter, very odorous reduced sulfur compounds, and oxides of sulfur. If extensive and expensive control is not exercised over the kraft pulp process, the odors and aerosol emissions will affect a wide area. Odor complaints have been reported over 100 km away from these plants. A properly controlled and operated kraft plant will handle huge amounts of material and produce millions of kilograms of finished products per day, with little or no complaint regarding odor or particulate emissions. 

Male meadow voles, M.pennsylvanicus, respond strongly to the anogenital area odor of females only immediately after parturition and for 2 days afterwards, the time of postpartum estrus (Ferkin and Johnston, 1995b). Females, by comparison, responded to male odor throughout their pregnancy and lactation (Ferkin and Johnston, 1995b). 

Zeolites also been used in ion-exchange products, both synthetic and natural, were used extensively in nuclear waste cleanup after the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear accidents. New appUcations emerged for zeolites powders in two potentially major areas, odor removal and as plastic additives. There have been several reports where environment... 

Essential is also used as the adjective form of the noun essence The mixtures of substances that make up the fragrant material of plants are called essential oils because they contain the essence that is the odor of the plant The study of the composition of essential oils ranks as one of the oldest areas of organic chemical research Very often the principal volatile component of an essential oil belongs to a class of chemical sub stances called the terpenes... 

Care ought to be taken in handling acetic acid to avoid spillage or otherwise breathing vapors. Wash any exposed areas with large amounts of water. Once the odor of acetic acid vapors is noticeable, the area should be abandoned immediately. The U.S. threshold limit value for acetic acid is 10 ppm (25 mg/m ). Similar values prevail in Germany (75). 

Even small spills and leaks (<0.45 kg) require extreme caution. Unless the spill is contained in a fume hood, do not remain in or enter the area unless equipped with full protective equipment and clothing. Self-contained breathing apparatus should be used if the odor of acrolein or eye irritation is sensed. Small spills may be covered with absorbant, treated with aqueous alkalies, and flushed with water. 

Repeated exposures of animals to high (near-lethal) concentrations of vapors result in inflammation of the respiratory tract, as weU as degenerative changes in the Hver, kidneys, and heart muscle. These effects arise at concentrations far above those causing irritation. Such effects have not been reported in humans. The low odor threshold and irritating properties of acrylates cause humans to leave a contaminated area rather than tolerate the irritation. 

Although the nose houses and protects the cells that perceive odor, it does not direcdy participate in odor perception. The primary function of the nose is to direct a stream of air into the respiratory passages. While this function is occurring, a small fraction of the inhaled air passes over the olfactory epithelium, located 5—8 cm inside the nasal passages. This olfactory area occupies about 6.45 cm (one square inch) of surface in each side of the nose. 

Synthesis. Exploratory research has produced a wide variety of odorants based on natural stmctures, chemicals analogous to naturals, and synthetic materials derived from available raw materials and economical processing. As in most areas of the chemical industry, the search for new and useful substances is made difficult by the many materials that have been patented and successfully commercialized (4). In the search for new aroma chemicals, many new materials are prepared for screening each year. Chemists who perform this work are involved in a creative exercise that takes its direction from the commercial sector in terms of desirable odor types and specific performance needs. Because of economic limitations, considerations of raw material costs and available processing methods may play a role eady in the exploratory work. 

Cross-country gas pipelines generally must odorize the normally odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas ia urban and suburban areas, as is required of gas distribution companies. Organosulfur compounds, such as mercaptans, are usually used for this purpose, and code requires that the odor must be strong enough for someone with a normal sense of smell to detect a gas leak iato air at one-fifth the lower explosive limit of gas—air mixtures. The latter is about 5%, so the odorant concentration should be about 1%, but most companies odorize more heavily than this as a safety precaution. 

Because of the high vapor pressure of the simple quinones and their penetrating odor, adequate ventilation must be provided in areas where these quinones are handled or stored. Quinone vapor can harm the eyes, and a limit of 0.1 ppm of 1,4-benzoquinone in air has been recommended. Quinone in either sohd or solution form can cause severe local damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Swallowing benzoquinones may be fatal the LD q in rat is 130 mg/kg orally and 0.25 mg/kg intravenously. There is insufficient data concerning quinones and cancer. The higher quinones are less of a problem because of their decreased volatihty (118—120). 

Area repellents are materials that are intended to keep animals away from a broad area. They include predator scent such as Hon or tiger manure, blood meal, tankage such as putrefied slaughterhouse waste, bone tar oil, rags soaked in kerosene or creosote, and human hair (84). Although few controlled tests have been mn on these materials in the past, more recent investigations of predator odors have shown promise (85). 

Another area in which sulfur compounds have long found use is in the area of agricultural chemicals. Many of these materials had been produced by the manufacturer of the agricultural chemicals, but difficulties in containing odor and the use of hydrogen sulfide in heavily populated areas again pushed toward specialization by several companies. A Hst of agricultural chemicals, and the thiol that is used or has been used in production, follows ... 

Thiol spills are handled ia the same manner that all chemical spills are handled, with the added requirement that the odor be eliminated as rapidly as possible. In general, the leak should be stopped, the spill should be contained, and then the odor should be reduced. The odor can be reduced by sprayiag the spill area with sodium hypochlorite (3% solution), calcium hypochlorite solution (3%), or hydrogen peroxide (3—10% solution). The use of higher concentrations of oxidant gives strongly exothermic reactions, which iacrease the amount of thiol ia the vapor, as well as pose a safety ha2ard. The apphcation of an adsorbent prior to addition of the oxidant can be quite helpful and add to the ease of cleanup. 

---