I understand the theoretical reasons for the answers provided so far, but I had a couple of experiences this summer that suggest the theory might be overly simplistic.  While wearing a mask in a couple of situations, I noticed a strange smell; when I took off the mask, the odor persisted, although with a different strength and nature than when I noticed it with a mask on. 

I don't know if the change resulted from a change in air patterns around my nose and mouth, from the change in temperature and humidity inside the mask as opposed to outside the mask, or whether a particulate component of the odor that was impacted by the mask. I do know from many years of chasing odors in Indoor Air Quality situations that any of these components can affect individuals' sense of an odor they and their neighbors are experiencing. So I am very reluctant to tell anyone that what they experience with regard to an odor is incorrect.

I am curious though, what the research group is planning on smelling in their laboratory setting and whether their concern relates to health and safety concerns such as chemical leaks or fugitive odors, or quality control concerns such as looking for changes in their processes that usually aren't detected in another way? Covid precautions do require many adjustments in the way we have habitually done our work and we are learning a lot about our established practices as a result.

Thanks for a very interesting question.

- Ralph

Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Environmental Safety Manager
Keene State College
603 358-2859

ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu

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