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SENSORY, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE CHEMICAL SENSES IN HUMAN EXPOSURE RESEARCH
Citation:
Prah, J D. SENSORY, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE CHEMICAL SENSES IN HUMAN EXPOSURE RESEARCH. Presented at Southeastern Society of Toxiocology, Johnson City, Texas, October 18-19, 2001.
Description:
Abstract
The examination of the effects of odors on humans is not a simple task. It involves consideration of sensory, psychological, and psychophysiological aspects of the stimulus and the humans studied. Aspects of importance are: 1. Information the subject has about the stimuli in question whether in a laboratory or field study; 2. Effects of pollutant exposure on psychophysical measures such as odor threshold; 3. The psychological state of the subject can interact with the psychophysiological response as well; 4. Responses to mixtures versus single stimuli may play a role. These ideas will be illustrated with reference to studies conducted at EPA as well as from the literature. These studies include studies on the effects of ozone on odor threshold; information given to the subject or information obtained via mass media; responses by subjects self-reported to be suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity; and hedonic responses of female subjects exposed to chemicals as a mixture, singly, or paired. Responses measures obtained include threshold, irritation, sensory adaptation, hedonics, and pulmonary responses. Though threshold, irritation, and adaptation are excellent measures, hedonic responses should be given more importance in human exposure research because of the semiotic role they may play in guiding behavioral responses.