SLUDGE VICTIMS

"The odor exposures that have received the greatest research attention are those that involve irritation. Physiological responses to irritation in the upper respiratory tract (nose, larynx) and/or lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, deep lung sites) have been documented in both humans and animals."

'Irritation of the respiratory tract can alter respiratory rate, reduce respiratory volume (the amount of air inhaled), increase duration of expiration, alter spontaneous body movements, contract the larynx and bronchi, increase epinephrine secretion, increase nasal secretions, increase nasal airflow resistance, slow the heart rate, constrict peripheral blood vessels, increase blood pressure, decrease blood flow to the lungs, and cause sneezing, tearing, and hoarseness." (pg. 12)

"Health symptoms from odors can potentially result from two sources: the odor (the sensation) or the odorant (the chemical or mixture of chemicals that happens to have an odor)."

PHYSIOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SENSORY IRRITATION

"Administration of irritant compounds to the upper and/or lower air-way in laboratory studies produces many systemic responses including:
(1) changes in respiratory rate, depending upon the primary level of irritation (upper versus lower),
(2) reduced respiratory volume,
(3) increased duration of expiration,
(4) alterations in spontaneous body movements,
(5) contraction of the larynx and bronchi,
(6) increased epinephrine secretion,
(7) increased nasal secretion,
(8) increased nasal airflow resistance,
(9) increased bronchial tone,
(10) decreased pulmonary ventilation,
(11) bradycardia,
(12) peripheral vasoconstriction,
(13) increased blood pressure,
(14) closure of the glottis,
(15) sneezing,
(16) closure of the nares,
(17) decreased pulmonary blood flow,
(18) decreased renal blood flow and clearance, and
(19) lacrimation or tearing."

"Irritants can also induce hoarseness of voice and impair mucociliary clearance functioning." (pg. 19)

"Odorous VOCs have been found in the blood and brain after three hours of exposure, and olfactory receptors have been shown to respond to blood-borne odorants." (pg. 22)

"Health complaints do occur at levels of VOCs that are below irritant thresholds."