Cargill Beef in Wagga Wagga has to introduce a $13 million wastewater treatment system and cut its killing capacity after its sewer treatment system failed last year.
The pollution improvement works will result in almost a 20 per cent cut in the abattoir's daily kill.
Cargill had approval to kill 2,000 head of cattle a day but that has been reduced to a maximum of 1,600 head by Planning New South Wales.
The department has granted Cargill approval to do works to reduce odours and improve wastewater quality by building a new wastewater treatment system.
There are 104 conditions of approval for the $13 million upgrade.
Cargill says the Planning Department directive does not affect jobs because it is killing only 1,250 head of cattle a day.
The deputy director general of the Planning Department, Richard Pearson, says there has been a history of odour complaints about the Bomen meat processor.
"There have over the years been ongoing issues raised in relation to the odour impacts of the abattoir and in relation to water quality," he said.
"It came to a bit of a head in 2009 last year when there was a failure at their sewer treatment system."
Mr Pearson says the new system is a win for Cargill's neighbours.
"It is important that businesses such as this manage their impacts effectively," he said.
"Odour is a particular issue for people who surround these kinds of developments so I think this will be a good outcome for those people as well."
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Smell like roses!
What if on a date the girl starts ignoring you when she meets you? Is it that she doesn’t like your face, dressing sense or body odour? Many times one often ignores the problems body odour causes — it can be a big turn off.
After Hrs talks to experts and celebs on dealing with this.
Dermatologist Dr Rohini Wadhwani says, “Body odour is caused by various reasons like poor hygiene, genetics, medication, heavy physical activity, pungent food (garlic and other spices), certain medication, stress, hormonal problems, alcohol and tobacco abuse or even dental problems. A good tip is to use a baby powder or anti-bacterial powder after bath, especially under the arms.
Remove, shave or wax underarm hair off to reduce body odour.Deodorants contain anti-bacterial agents that kill the bacteria which give rise to body odour, as against anti-perspirants which block pores. One may use tea tree oil or rose water in your bath water as their lingering fragrance takes care of the odour. Also remember to wear clean undergarments.”
Skin expert Dr Sunita Dube, says, “Body odour is considered an offensive smell, given off by most adults who are sweating. It is often perceived as a sign of poor personal hygiene that can be unattractive to theopposite sex. It can have disastrous consequences, like ruining your professional image with a client. Since men sweat more than women, they are the worst affected. I feel body odour can arise to poor hygiene or a genetic disorder. I had a patient aged 32, who had severe bad odour with an
excessive ‘fishy’ smell coming from her body. It became more prominent since adulthood and she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called trimethylaminuria, or ‘fish odour syndrome,’ that causes a patient to produce a fish-like odour, not only in a person’s breath, but also in sweat and urine. So it can be genetic too hence it’s necessary to consult a doctor and seek guidance in such cases.”
Actor Kim Sharma says, “Bad body odour is always a turn off, it is a situation where you can’t even tell the person about it and simply walking out in the a middle of a conversation with that person would be rude.”
For actor Koena Mitra body odour is a turn off. She advises, “Carry a deodorant to keep yourself fresh. Also be conscious as people tend to form an image about the person and the game of avoiding starts from day one when the situation arises.”
After Hrs talks to experts and celebs on dealing with this.
Dermatologist Dr Rohini Wadhwani says, “Body odour is caused by various reasons like poor hygiene, genetics, medication, heavy physical activity, pungent food (garlic and other spices), certain medication, stress, hormonal problems, alcohol and tobacco abuse or even dental problems. A good tip is to use a baby powder or anti-bacterial powder after bath, especially under the arms.
Remove, shave or wax underarm hair off to reduce body odour.Deodorants contain anti-bacterial agents that kill the bacteria which give rise to body odour, as against anti-perspirants which block pores. One may use tea tree oil or rose water in your bath water as their lingering fragrance takes care of the odour. Also remember to wear clean undergarments.”
Skin expert Dr Sunita Dube, says, “Body odour is considered an offensive smell, given off by most adults who are sweating. It is often perceived as a sign of poor personal hygiene that can be unattractive to theopposite sex. It can have disastrous consequences, like ruining your professional image with a client. Since men sweat more than women, they are the worst affected. I feel body odour can arise to poor hygiene or a genetic disorder. I had a patient aged 32, who had severe bad odour with an
excessive ‘fishy’ smell coming from her body. It became more prominent since adulthood and she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called trimethylaminuria, or ‘fish odour syndrome,’ that causes a patient to produce a fish-like odour, not only in a person’s breath, but also in sweat and urine. So it can be genetic too hence it’s necessary to consult a doctor and seek guidance in such cases.”
Actor Kim Sharma says, “Bad body odour is always a turn off, it is a situation where you can’t even tell the person about it and simply walking out in the a middle of a conversation with that person would be rude.”
For actor Koena Mitra body odour is a turn off. She advises, “Carry a deodorant to keep yourself fresh. Also be conscious as people tend to form an image about the person and the game of avoiding starts from day one when the situation arises.”
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Metro Vancouver odour bylaw in the works
Metro Vancouver staff are drafting a bylaw in the latest round pitting the regional body against West Coast Reduction’s rendering plant at the foot of Commercial Drive.
Photograph by: Dan Toulgoet, Vancouver Courier
Vancouver Coun. Heather Deal is “cautiously optimistic” Metro Vancouver can draft an odour bylaw that will finally quiet complaints about a stink dozens of Grandview Woodlands residents blame on West Coast Reduction’s rendering plant at the foot of Commercial Drive.
The stench worsens during hot weather and for years it’s generated hundreds of calls to Metro Vancouver, which is responsible for the region’s air quality.
Metro Vancouver tried amending the plant’s air emission permit through limiting “odour unit”—a method accepted in the European Union, but the provincial Environmental Appeal Board ruled in March that odour units are unreasonable and unenforceable.
Last week, Ray Robb, Metro Vancouver’s division manager in the policy and planning department, told members of the regional district’s environment and energy committee, of which Deal is a member, that he’s drawing up an odour bylaw for the district board’s consideration.
Such a bylaw, which cannot be appealed through the EAB, could also apply to other operations that emit odour. Early candidates for the regulation include fish feed manufacturing and “composting and aerobic/anaerobic digestion of putrescible wastes,” according to the report. Metro Vancouver expects odour problems to grow as more organic solid waste is diverted from landfill and incineration. The regulation may include fees to reflect polluter-pay and user-pay principles, so taxpayers don’t have to subsidize the regulation of such industries.
The environment minister could still overturn the bylaw and West Coast Reduction could challenge it through the courts, but Deal is nonetheless hopeful it’s the answer.
“[The EAB] rejected odour units, so we need to find another tool. That could be a technological fix that says in order to control odour you must have your material at this temperature during transportation, as this temperature during the heating process,” she said. “West Coast Reduction is an important part of our industrial landscape in Vancouver. It’s absolutely necessary in the region and we want to make sure they continue to be good neighbours.”
Deal acknowledged it’s been a frustrating fight for residents, but gave WCC credit for investing in technological advances in past years to address odour complaints.
Although some critics argue such a plant shouldn’t exist in an urban area, Deal maintains its presence is important.
“It’s an important industry and a good employer in the city of Vancouver,” she said. “We don’t want to kick any industries that are difficult to live near out of the city because that includes a whole lot of things we rely on economically and that create jobs. I think the answer is to find a way to keep them compatible. Again, there are going to be industries with scents in the future as we come up with more ways of dealing with our organics rather than just throwing them in the garbage.”
West Coast Reduction operates at 105 North Commercial Dr. on land leased from Port Metro Vancouver.
The Port has handled few odour complaints since it launched a community complaint line on Oct. 14, 2009. Between January and June 2010, only two calls related to West Coast Reduction out of 156 calls, most of which focused on noise from the port.
Chris Badger, chief operating officer of Port Metro Vancouver, can’t reveal detailed information about the lease agreement because it’s a confidential contract.
Badger said the Port has been involved in discussions about residents’ odour concerns, and it’s among organizations trying to resolve the issues, but it doesn’t want to duplicate work done by Metro Vancouver.
“But you’ve also got to look at the rights of the industry as well. Clearly, the appeal board is there for a reason and they appealed in a legal way and it was dealt with in the normal process,” he said.
Photograph by: Dan Toulgoet, Vancouver Courier
Vancouver Coun. Heather Deal is “cautiously optimistic” Metro Vancouver can draft an odour bylaw that will finally quiet complaints about a stink dozens of Grandview Woodlands residents blame on West Coast Reduction’s rendering plant at the foot of Commercial Drive.
The stench worsens during hot weather and for years it’s generated hundreds of calls to Metro Vancouver, which is responsible for the region’s air quality.
Metro Vancouver tried amending the plant’s air emission permit through limiting “odour unit”—a method accepted in the European Union, but the provincial Environmental Appeal Board ruled in March that odour units are unreasonable and unenforceable.
Last week, Ray Robb, Metro Vancouver’s division manager in the policy and planning department, told members of the regional district’s environment and energy committee, of which Deal is a member, that he’s drawing up an odour bylaw for the district board’s consideration.
Such a bylaw, which cannot be appealed through the EAB, could also apply to other operations that emit odour. Early candidates for the regulation include fish feed manufacturing and “composting and aerobic/anaerobic digestion of putrescible wastes,” according to the report. Metro Vancouver expects odour problems to grow as more organic solid waste is diverted from landfill and incineration. The regulation may include fees to reflect polluter-pay and user-pay principles, so taxpayers don’t have to subsidize the regulation of such industries.
The environment minister could still overturn the bylaw and West Coast Reduction could challenge it through the courts, but Deal is nonetheless hopeful it’s the answer.
“[The EAB] rejected odour units, so we need to find another tool. That could be a technological fix that says in order to control odour you must have your material at this temperature during transportation, as this temperature during the heating process,” she said. “West Coast Reduction is an important part of our industrial landscape in Vancouver. It’s absolutely necessary in the region and we want to make sure they continue to be good neighbours.”
Deal acknowledged it’s been a frustrating fight for residents, but gave WCC credit for investing in technological advances in past years to address odour complaints.
Although some critics argue such a plant shouldn’t exist in an urban area, Deal maintains its presence is important.
“It’s an important industry and a good employer in the city of Vancouver,” she said. “We don’t want to kick any industries that are difficult to live near out of the city because that includes a whole lot of things we rely on economically and that create jobs. I think the answer is to find a way to keep them compatible. Again, there are going to be industries with scents in the future as we come up with more ways of dealing with our organics rather than just throwing them in the garbage.”
West Coast Reduction operates at 105 North Commercial Dr. on land leased from Port Metro Vancouver.
The Port has handled few odour complaints since it launched a community complaint line on Oct. 14, 2009. Between January and June 2010, only two calls related to West Coast Reduction out of 156 calls, most of which focused on noise from the port.
Chris Badger, chief operating officer of Port Metro Vancouver, can’t reveal detailed information about the lease agreement because it’s a confidential contract.
Badger said the Port has been involved in discussions about residents’ odour concerns, and it’s among organizations trying to resolve the issues, but it doesn’t want to duplicate work done by Metro Vancouver.
“But you’ve also got to look at the rights of the industry as well. Clearly, the appeal board is there for a reason and they appealed in a legal way and it was dealt with in the normal process,” he said.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Soil clean up at chemical plant causes unpleasant smell
Foul smells from the clean-up of a former agricultural chemical factory in Cambridgeshire has led to protests from residents.
The factory, established in Hauxton in the 1940s, produced pesticides and herbicides.
Chemicals contaminated the ground and South Cambridgeshire District Council must clean it up before houses can be built there.
Disturbing the chemicals has caused the smells, a spokesman said.
"As the contaminated soils are dug they can release odours that had previously been trapped underground," he said.
Local people told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and local news media saying they were not getting the answers they needed about the cause of the smells.
Work on the contaminated ground will be completed in September 2010.
The Environment Agency and South Cambridgeshire District Council have created dedicated web pages to provide information on the situation.
Residents have been told the odour is unlikely to pose a health risk.
However, a shopkeeper in the village said she was told by doctors to close down and stay away because of the "noxious fumes".
Jackie Garfitt said she was told by doctors her health had been affected.
Dozens of people living in Hauxton have made similar claims.
South Cambridgeshire District Council said the fumes are unlikely to pose a health risk.
The factory, established in Hauxton in the 1940s, produced pesticides and herbicides.
Chemicals contaminated the ground and South Cambridgeshire District Council must clean it up before houses can be built there.
Disturbing the chemicals has caused the smells, a spokesman said.
"As the contaminated soils are dug they can release odours that had previously been trapped underground," he said.
Local people told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and local news media saying they were not getting the answers they needed about the cause of the smells.
Work on the contaminated ground will be completed in September 2010.
The Environment Agency and South Cambridgeshire District Council have created dedicated web pages to provide information on the situation.
Residents have been told the odour is unlikely to pose a health risk.
However, a shopkeeper in the village said she was told by doctors to close down and stay away because of the "noxious fumes".
Jackie Garfitt said she was told by doctors her health had been affected.
Dozens of people living in Hauxton have made similar claims.
South Cambridgeshire District Council said the fumes are unlikely to pose a health risk.
Macarthur tip stink spurs $1m fix
MORE than $1million will be spent in the next three months to reduce odour emissions at the Macarthur Resource Recovery Park in Narellan.
WSN Environmental Solutions will work to reduce odour emissions by improving gas extraction from the landfill area.
Last month the Camden Advertiser reported that residents in Narellan Vale, Mount Annan and Narellan had noticed the smell from the park had increased in the past nine months.
A WSN spokeswoman said the company regretted that the odour performance had not met community expectations and action was being taken to urgently fix the problem, with the use of odour control.
``The project involves installing 20 additional gas wells on the landfill area and will reduce odours emanating from the site by enabling the existing system to capture significantly more gas emitted from the landfilled material,'' she said.
``Work commenced on May 24 and will continue for approximately six weeks. While every preventative effort will be made, there is potential for odour to be generated during the work.''
WSN Environmental Solutions' CEO Ken Kanofski thanked locals for their patience while the work was under way.
``We are confident that the increased gas capture will be a key component in reducing the impact of odour experienced recently,'' he said.
Other measures to control the odour include reduced operating hours, upgrades to the process water treatment, odour management systems in the mixed waste facility and an odour destruction fence which will soon be erected.
The odours will be closely monitored.
WSN Environmental Solutions will work to reduce odour emissions by improving gas extraction from the landfill area.
Last month the Camden Advertiser reported that residents in Narellan Vale, Mount Annan and Narellan had noticed the smell from the park had increased in the past nine months.
A WSN spokeswoman said the company regretted that the odour performance had not met community expectations and action was being taken to urgently fix the problem, with the use of odour control.
``The project involves installing 20 additional gas wells on the landfill area and will reduce odours emanating from the site by enabling the existing system to capture significantly more gas emitted from the landfilled material,'' she said.
``Work commenced on May 24 and will continue for approximately six weeks. While every preventative effort will be made, there is potential for odour to be generated during the work.''
WSN Environmental Solutions' CEO Ken Kanofski thanked locals for their patience while the work was under way.
``We are confident that the increased gas capture will be a key component in reducing the impact of odour experienced recently,'' he said.
Other measures to control the odour include reduced operating hours, upgrades to the process water treatment, odour management systems in the mixed waste facility and an odour destruction fence which will soon be erected.
The odours will be closely monitored.
On the nose
PAKENHAM’S sickening stink has returned with a vengeance.
Cardinia Shire Council fielded ‘a handful’ of complaints about the stench last week, when some residents noted the smell around Bald Hill Road and the Henty Park estate.
Business owner Michael Porter said the smell had returned after a brief hiatus.
“It gets inside our factory and then we can’t get it out, the workers are sick of it and so am I. It seems to be in the mornings and evenings. It has been fairly good for a few months but this last fortnight it is back with a vengeance,” he said.
Pakenham resident Nola Ellis said the stench had been blanketing Henty Park since Sunday afternoon.
“It smells like compost to us, rotten,” she said.
Fellow resident Joanne Miles described the smell as ‘mouldy old rubbish’ while Jacqui Haysom said it was more like ‘rotting bodies.’
Karen Muntz said it smelt like a cover-up. “It smells like garbage that’s had eucalyptus leaves mulched through it, like they are trying to cover the smell … it really makes it smell odd and made me gag while I was driving,” she said.
And while some people are certain of the stink, others living in the same areas say the smell is not so bad.
Christian Smith said he lived off Bald Hill Road but wasn’t offended by the smell.
“At least once a year we get smells from the surrounding farms. I think people need to harden up,” he said. Melanie Leighton said the smell had been in Pakenham on and off for 28 years, while Christian Smith said it just smelt like chicken poo.
“It’s not that bad. The people complaining obviously haven’t been to a farm,” he said.
But a new Pakenham resident said she was ‘nearly sick’ after the smell seeped into the house.
“I’ve never experienced this before … it’s not the best advertisement for the town,” she said.
Cardinia Shire Council spokesman Paul Dunlop said the council understood residents’ concerns and was working towards a solution.
“We have previously worked with business operators and the EPA to reduce odours emanating from local business operators and will continue to do so in the future,” he said.
“Appropriate action will be taken to address any unauthorised activity relating to odours recognised as a nuisance or which have emanated as a result of a breach of planning regulations.
“We value residents’ opinions and are committed to open, honest, two-way communication.
If residents feel a particular smell is stronger on some days than others, they are encouraged to contact council on 1300 787 624.
We ask residents to take note of the time of day, wind direction, odour type and strength and where they believe it is originating from.”
Cardinia Shire Council fielded ‘a handful’ of complaints about the stench last week, when some residents noted the smell around Bald Hill Road and the Henty Park estate.
Business owner Michael Porter said the smell had returned after a brief hiatus.
“It gets inside our factory and then we can’t get it out, the workers are sick of it and so am I. It seems to be in the mornings and evenings. It has been fairly good for a few months but this last fortnight it is back with a vengeance,” he said.
Pakenham resident Nola Ellis said the stench had been blanketing Henty Park since Sunday afternoon.
“It smells like compost to us, rotten,” she said.
Fellow resident Joanne Miles described the smell as ‘mouldy old rubbish’ while Jacqui Haysom said it was more like ‘rotting bodies.’
Karen Muntz said it smelt like a cover-up. “It smells like garbage that’s had eucalyptus leaves mulched through it, like they are trying to cover the smell … it really makes it smell odd and made me gag while I was driving,” she said.
And while some people are certain of the stink, others living in the same areas say the smell is not so bad.
Christian Smith said he lived off Bald Hill Road but wasn’t offended by the smell.
“At least once a year we get smells from the surrounding farms. I think people need to harden up,” he said. Melanie Leighton said the smell had been in Pakenham on and off for 28 years, while Christian Smith said it just smelt like chicken poo.
“It’s not that bad. The people complaining obviously haven’t been to a farm,” he said.
But a new Pakenham resident said she was ‘nearly sick’ after the smell seeped into the house.
“I’ve never experienced this before … it’s not the best advertisement for the town,” she said.
Cardinia Shire Council spokesman Paul Dunlop said the council understood residents’ concerns and was working towards a solution.
“We have previously worked with business operators and the EPA to reduce odours emanating from local business operators and will continue to do so in the future,” he said.
“Appropriate action will be taken to address any unauthorised activity relating to odours recognised as a nuisance or which have emanated as a result of a breach of planning regulations.
“We value residents’ opinions and are committed to open, honest, two-way communication.
If residents feel a particular smell is stronger on some days than others, they are encouraged to contact council on 1300 787 624.
We ask residents to take note of the time of day, wind direction, odour type and strength and where they believe it is originating from.”
Monday, May 17, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Town looking to find source of odour eminating from catch basins
Residents living around the Avenues and Riverview Drive are not happy with the smell of sewage in the area that is so strong, it often prevents them from enjoying the outdoors.
Arnprior council recently received letters from several residents in the area complaining about the “potent sewage odour” and “disgusting odour of sewage” in the neighbourhood. Several indicated “most days, the smell is so obnoxious we are unable to enjoy the outdoors.”
“We’ve got Public Works and waterworks working on the issue,” explained Janet Collins, director of Public Works. “It is going to become quite a large procedure.”
According to residents, the smell emanates from catch basins and not the pumping station and Collins agreed.
Arnprior council recently received letters from several residents in the area complaining about the “potent sewage odour” and “disgusting odour of sewage” in the neighbourhood. Several indicated “most days, the smell is so obnoxious we are unable to enjoy the outdoors.”
“We’ve got Public Works and waterworks working on the issue,” explained Janet Collins, director of Public Works. “It is going to become quite a large procedure.”
According to residents, the smell emanates from catch basins and not the pumping station and Collins agreed.
Offensive odour
Someone! Anyone! Help! I was forced to endure a one-hour flight sitting next to a sharp-looking gentleman. He was dressed in crisp, clean clothes and polished shoes. He sported a fashionable watch and he had well-trimmed hair, clean nails, a ready smile, and kind eyes. He also STANK!!!
Someone! Anyone! Please tell me what is going on! I regularly train emerging leaders on how to deliver unpleasant news or give performance feedback to their subordinates in a respectful way. One of the most popular, yet distressing exercises I use in developing this skill is a simulation of being sent by your colleagues to inform a team member that s/he has bad body odour! Very few people want to do it, and even fewer know how to do it well - even with guidance. Sometimes it is hard to tell from the squirming going on, whether it is the person giving the feedback who is most uncomfortable, or the poor person being told that they have been perfuming the air with ‘eau de putrid’ - the strong and lingering aroma of rotten boiled eggs, wet carpet and vomit.
I have had occasion to very kindly and respectfully advise staff, colleagues and service providers to avail themselves of the use of a deodorant that is conveniently at hand in my drawer, in my bag, or in my guest toilet. But what is the protocol when the offence to the nostrils and to one’s comfort is being committed in a public space or when the offender is a complete stranger?
Let’s go back to the aeroplane. Confronted by Mr Odoriferous, I felt supremely sorry for myself, sorrier for my fellow passengers (don’t ask me why), and sorry for the crew whose work space had been infiltrated. You find that, in times of adversity, solidarity forms instantaneously, and it happened here too. Speaking glances, grimaces, and shows of sympathy flew back and forth amongst the newly formed fellowship of suffering passengers. Still, no one said anything.
Shouldn’t there be rules about this sort of thing?
Business etiquette teaches you suitable dress for the workplace. Could there not be etiquette about appropriate personal hygiene in public? Could Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) standards against air pollution be expanded to include odious body odour? Anyone who has been trapped in a lift, a car, or a bus with someone reeking of unwashed flesh knows what I am talking about.
Don’t get me wrong; I doubt if anyone sane would step out of their abode smelling bad. On enough occasions, the offender is not even aware that s/he is smelling. Once they are informed, the majority are mortified and take immediate action to suppress it.
Other times, body odour is simply a function of lifestyle - the combination of humidity, working outdoors in the heat and sun, sweat, and wearing clothes that were not completely dried after washing. Many cannot afford to buy deodorants and powders, and have to rely on their morning baths or rubbing lemon and other native remedies. This is not adequate in our climate if you are physically active or move around a lot outdoors.
Yet, some people simply won’t scrub their bodies, wash their clothes or change their underclothes daily. Others do not shave their underarm hair, wash their hair regularly or clean themselves properly after ‘easing’ themselves. It is pure carelessness.
A friend asked me why the body odour here is so much worse (in her estimation) than in the Western world. Well, for starters, how a person smells when they sweat is affected by what we eat and drink. In the Western world, their food is partially uncooked, like salads, and mostly bland to the taste. Our food is generally boiled or fried, and pungent with spices. Hence ‘pungent’ sweat.
An unfunny joke
Secondly, our odour also has to do with the quality of the air. Our air quality here is poor. We breathe in all kinds of pollutants from vehicles, generators and badly disposed waste. Those toxins find their way out of our bodies in our sweat.
Thirdly, our public transport system is choked with people rubbing up against each other. Workers trek long distances to bus stops, they wait and sweat in the sun, they squash into cars, buses, and onto the backs of trucks. Is it any wonder that they do not arrive at their destinations smelling fresh and fragrant?
Let’s go back to the aeroplane again. In situations where the cabin air quality has been compromised by a reeking passenger, what should the crew do? Should they behave the way up-market restaurants with a strict dress code do? They have a stock of jackets and ties to lend to patrons who arrive without them. Could the crew legitimately invite the ‘oozing’ passenger to make use of their stock of deodorants and fabric fresheners in the cabin toilets, and deny the person service until they co-operate?
I don’t have the answers but, really, we should do something. Anything. This joke is no longer funny. Life is too stressful to have to put up with a corrupting presence in close quarters. Let’s find a way to deal with the offence while respecting the sensibilities of the offender
Someone! Anyone! Please tell me what is going on! I regularly train emerging leaders on how to deliver unpleasant news or give performance feedback to their subordinates in a respectful way. One of the most popular, yet distressing exercises I use in developing this skill is a simulation of being sent by your colleagues to inform a team member that s/he has bad body odour! Very few people want to do it, and even fewer know how to do it well - even with guidance. Sometimes it is hard to tell from the squirming going on, whether it is the person giving the feedback who is most uncomfortable, or the poor person being told that they have been perfuming the air with ‘eau de putrid’ - the strong and lingering aroma of rotten boiled eggs, wet carpet and vomit.
I have had occasion to very kindly and respectfully advise staff, colleagues and service providers to avail themselves of the use of a deodorant that is conveniently at hand in my drawer, in my bag, or in my guest toilet. But what is the protocol when the offence to the nostrils and to one’s comfort is being committed in a public space or when the offender is a complete stranger?
Let’s go back to the aeroplane. Confronted by Mr Odoriferous, I felt supremely sorry for myself, sorrier for my fellow passengers (don’t ask me why), and sorry for the crew whose work space had been infiltrated. You find that, in times of adversity, solidarity forms instantaneously, and it happened here too. Speaking glances, grimaces, and shows of sympathy flew back and forth amongst the newly formed fellowship of suffering passengers. Still, no one said anything.
Shouldn’t there be rules about this sort of thing?
Business etiquette teaches you suitable dress for the workplace. Could there not be etiquette about appropriate personal hygiene in public? Could Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) standards against air pollution be expanded to include odious body odour? Anyone who has been trapped in a lift, a car, or a bus with someone reeking of unwashed flesh knows what I am talking about.
Don’t get me wrong; I doubt if anyone sane would step out of their abode smelling bad. On enough occasions, the offender is not even aware that s/he is smelling. Once they are informed, the majority are mortified and take immediate action to suppress it.
Other times, body odour is simply a function of lifestyle - the combination of humidity, working outdoors in the heat and sun, sweat, and wearing clothes that were not completely dried after washing. Many cannot afford to buy deodorants and powders, and have to rely on their morning baths or rubbing lemon and other native remedies. This is not adequate in our climate if you are physically active or move around a lot outdoors.
Yet, some people simply won’t scrub their bodies, wash their clothes or change their underclothes daily. Others do not shave their underarm hair, wash their hair regularly or clean themselves properly after ‘easing’ themselves. It is pure carelessness.
A friend asked me why the body odour here is so much worse (in her estimation) than in the Western world. Well, for starters, how a person smells when they sweat is affected by what we eat and drink. In the Western world, their food is partially uncooked, like salads, and mostly bland to the taste. Our food is generally boiled or fried, and pungent with spices. Hence ‘pungent’ sweat.
An unfunny joke
Secondly, our odour also has to do with the quality of the air. Our air quality here is poor. We breathe in all kinds of pollutants from vehicles, generators and badly disposed waste. Those toxins find their way out of our bodies in our sweat.
Thirdly, our public transport system is choked with people rubbing up against each other. Workers trek long distances to bus stops, they wait and sweat in the sun, they squash into cars, buses, and onto the backs of trucks. Is it any wonder that they do not arrive at their destinations smelling fresh and fragrant?
Let’s go back to the aeroplane again. In situations where the cabin air quality has been compromised by a reeking passenger, what should the crew do? Should they behave the way up-market restaurants with a strict dress code do? They have a stock of jackets and ties to lend to patrons who arrive without them. Could the crew legitimately invite the ‘oozing’ passenger to make use of their stock of deodorants and fabric fresheners in the cabin toilets, and deny the person service until they co-operate?
I don’t have the answers but, really, we should do something. Anything. This joke is no longer funny. Life is too stressful to have to put up with a corrupting presence in close quarters. Let’s find a way to deal with the offence while respecting the sensibilities of the offender
High Court closes landfill
The High Court has granted an order allowing for the immediate forced closure of that nation’s most complained about landfill.
The Environmental Protection Agency had sought the order before the court to close down the licensed landfill near Naas in Co Kildare.
Both locals and national lobby groups have long been seeking the closure of the offending landfill in Naas as it omits a particularly foul order and is thought to be an environmental hazard.
The manager of the landfill said that if the High Court order was granted that his company would have to go into insolvency, but the judgement made clear that there was an overwhelming tide of opposition to the landfill as well as a foul odour which diffused throughout the surrounding area.
Mr Justice Sean Ryan said the situation was extremely serious as there had been breaches of the law in operating the facility.
He refused the company’s application to lift the injunction from last February and he granted a further injunction to the EPA to prevent waste from being taken into the site.
The Environmental Protection Agency had sought the order before the court to close down the licensed landfill near Naas in Co Kildare.
Both locals and national lobby groups have long been seeking the closure of the offending landfill in Naas as it omits a particularly foul order and is thought to be an environmental hazard.
The manager of the landfill said that if the High Court order was granted that his company would have to go into insolvency, but the judgement made clear that there was an overwhelming tide of opposition to the landfill as well as a foul odour which diffused throughout the surrounding area.
Mr Justice Sean Ryan said the situation was extremely serious as there had been breaches of the law in operating the facility.
He refused the company’s application to lift the injunction from last February and he granted a further injunction to the EPA to prevent waste from being taken into the site.
Cement factory sparks protest
Hundreds of people have held a protest rally near a cement factory in Perth's south, over concerns about corrosive dust and odour.
The Member for Cockburn, Fran Logan says more than 50 complaints have been lodged with the Department of Environment and Protection this year.
He says some people who live near the factory in Munster have had blood noses, headaches and breathing difficulties.
He has called for immediate action against the operators, Cockburn Cement, and accused the Environment Minister Donna Faragher of sitting on her hands.
Ms Faragher has rejected the claims.
"I am aware of those concerns that have been raised by the community and that is why the department is putting forward and proposing a much stricter licence," she said.
"They are also working with the Department of Health as well and that's the appropriate action."
The Member for Cockburn, Fran Logan says more than 50 complaints have been lodged with the Department of Environment and Protection this year.
He says some people who live near the factory in Munster have had blood noses, headaches and breathing difficulties.
He has called for immediate action against the operators, Cockburn Cement, and accused the Environment Minister Donna Faragher of sitting on her hands.
Ms Faragher has rejected the claims.
"I am aware of those concerns that have been raised by the community and that is why the department is putting forward and proposing a much stricter licence," she said.
"They are also working with the Department of Health as well and that's the appropriate action."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
How specific odours alter an organism's lifespan
Specific odours that represent food or indicate danger trigger a small number of highly specialised sensory neurons that can alter an animal's lifespan and physiological profile, according to researchers at the University of Michigan, University of Houston, and Baylor College of Medicine.
Recent research in model organisms and in humans has shown that sensory experiences can impact a wide range of health-related characteristics including athletic performance, type II diabetes, and aging.
Nematode worms and fruit flies that were robbed of their ability to smell or taste, for example, lived substantially longer.
However, the specific odours and sensory receptors that control this effect on aging were unknown.
The researchers used molecular genetics in combination with behavioural and environmental manipulations, and successfully identified carbon dioxide (CO2) as the first well-defined odorant capable of altering physiology and affecting aging.
Flies incapable of smelling CO2 live longer than flies with normal olfactory capabilities.
They are also resistant to stress and have increased body fat. To many insects, including fruit flies, CO2 represents an ecologically important odour cue that indicates the presence of food (eg rotting fruit or animal blood) or neighbours in distress (it has been implicated as a stress pheromone).
The researchers previously showed that merely sensing one's normal food source is capable of reversing the health and longevity benefits that are associated with a low calorie diet.
They now establish that CO2 is responsible for this effect.
"We are working hard to understand how sensory perception affects health, and our new result really narrows the playing field. Somehow these 50 or so neurons, whose primary job it is to sense CO2, are capable of instigating changes that accelerate aging throughout the organism," said Scott Pletcher.
Sensory perception has been shown to impact aging in species that are separated by millions of years of evolution, suggesting that similar effects may be seen in humans.
"For us, it may not be the smell of yeast, for example, or the sensing of CO2 that affects how long we live, but it may be the perception of food or danger," said Pletcher.
If so, a clever program of controlled perceptual experience might form the basis of a simple yet powerful program of disease prevention and healthy aging.
The study has been published in the online, open-access journal PLoS Biology.
Recent research in model organisms and in humans has shown that sensory experiences can impact a wide range of health-related characteristics including athletic performance, type II diabetes, and aging.
Nematode worms and fruit flies that were robbed of their ability to smell or taste, for example, lived substantially longer.
However, the specific odours and sensory receptors that control this effect on aging were unknown.
The researchers used molecular genetics in combination with behavioural and environmental manipulations, and successfully identified carbon dioxide (CO2) as the first well-defined odorant capable of altering physiology and affecting aging.
Flies incapable of smelling CO2 live longer than flies with normal olfactory capabilities.
They are also resistant to stress and have increased body fat. To many insects, including fruit flies, CO2 represents an ecologically important odour cue that indicates the presence of food (eg rotting fruit or animal blood) or neighbours in distress (it has been implicated as a stress pheromone).
The researchers previously showed that merely sensing one's normal food source is capable of reversing the health and longevity benefits that are associated with a low calorie diet.
They now establish that CO2 is responsible for this effect.
"We are working hard to understand how sensory perception affects health, and our new result really narrows the playing field. Somehow these 50 or so neurons, whose primary job it is to sense CO2, are capable of instigating changes that accelerate aging throughout the organism," said Scott Pletcher.
Sensory perception has been shown to impact aging in species that are separated by millions of years of evolution, suggesting that similar effects may be seen in humans.
"For us, it may not be the smell of yeast, for example, or the sensing of CO2 that affects how long we live, but it may be the perception of food or danger," said Pletcher.
If so, a clever program of controlled perceptual experience might form the basis of a simple yet powerful program of disease prevention and healthy aging.
The study has been published in the online, open-access journal PLoS Biology.
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