Airborne Human Odorants: Detection, Dispersion and Characterization

Abstract

This project concentrates on characterizing how VOCs emitted by humans interact and propagate in the environment. In humans, the axillae are a unique source of human odor. In addition to a high density of eccrine glands, the axillae contain large numbers of sebaceous and apocrine glands. The interactions between the cutaneous microflora and skin secretions lead to a complex mix of odorants, several of which are unique to humans. We have begun our investigation of how human-derived odorants emanate into the vapor phase. Our instrumentation has been calibrated for several odorants and how their vapor phase concentration changes with time in a small sealed system. In addition, we have created, a computational model for how human axillary odorants may emanate from the axillae into a room (experimental chamber) under know experimental conditions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA562471

Entities

People

  • George Preti
  • Kai Zhao

Organizations

  • Monell Chemical Senses Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Flow
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Airborne
  • Detection
  • Dispersions
  • Equations
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Military Research
  • Phase
  • Sealed Systems
  • Sweat Glands
  • Vapor Phases
  • Volatile Organic Compounds

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Oncology (Cancer Research).
  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.