Commodity Fumigation License Practice Exam

Why is it unreliable to use scent to detect the presence of fumigants?

1. People can become accustomed to the odor

2. Smells are always accurate indicators

3. Warning gas is usually absent

4. Odors provide a precise concentration measurement

The correct answer is: People can become accustomed to the odor

Using scent to detect the presence of fumigants is unreliable primarily because individuals can become accustomed to certain odors over time, a phenomenon known as olfactory fatigue or adaptation. This means that after being exposed to a specific odor for a prolonged period, a person's ability to perceive that smell diminishes. As a result, fumigants, which may pose significant health risks, could go undetected unless an individual is closely monitoring their olfactory senses for any changes. This understanding is critical in the context of safety, as relying solely on the sense of smell can lead to dangerous situations where the presence of harmful fumigants goes unnoticed. The ability to detect a chemical by smell cannot be counted on as a reliable indicator of its presence or concentration, emphasizing the need for proper monitoring equipment and procedures in fumigation processes.