Odor, air quality, and well-being: understanding the urban smellscape using crowd-sourced science

Abstract

Odour exposure is associated with adverse and inequitable impacts on health and quality of life. Unfortunately, variability in individual sensitivity and perception, mixtures of odorous contaminants, and the role of meteorology and chemistry make it challenging to study odors and identify their sources. Here, we combine multiple data sources and approaches to better understand urban odour pollution and links to air quality and human well-being in Vancouver, Canada. We introduce Smell Vancouver, a web application where citizen scientists report on odour experiences (including their time, location, and description), and self-reported impacts to well-being and quality of life.

View full text