Odors emanate from a variety of sources: the off-gassing of incomplete combustion, decomposing organic matter, building materials, water intrusion, etc. There have been many articles written regarding various odors and the products or equipment to resolve these odors. However, an individual must understand how to perceive odors to rectify them as well as become a private investigator/detective.

The olfactory sensory system encompasses several parts in the sense of smell. First, odors enter the air in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s or gases) or airborne particulates to which the gases are attached. The odors are then breathed into the nose where they contact the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Olfactory hairs and nerve endings that extend into the mucous membrane then interface with the odor, at which point the sensation of smell (odor detection) is achieved. The sensation (odor) is then transmitted to the brain by the olfactory nerve. There, the odor sensation terminates in the olfactory lobe, which then determines if it is a good or unpleasant odor based on past impressions, experiences, or suggestions. This interpretation of the odor will then fall into two distinct diverse types of odor: real or psychological odor.