Tag indoor odors

The Science of Odor

The Science of VOCs in Your Home | Patriot Odor Pros

image of a clean staged room showing VOCs in chemistry molecules.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that can evaporate into the air under normal indoor conditions. They can be released by paints, coatings, cleaning products, air fresheners, adhesives, building materials, furnishings, fuels, and many other products. Some VOCs have recognizable odors, while others may not be readily detected by smell. Odor alone cannot identify a VOC or determine its concentration or health risk.

EPA notes that indoor VOC concentrations can be affected by products and materials used or stored indoors, ventilation, temperature, and other environmental conditions

Michele Matthews
September 7, 2026

The Science of Odor

Why Every Odor Has a Source: The Science Behind Finding the Real Problem

beautifully furnished modern livingroom ready for a showing.

Every odor has a source because odors are created by molecules released from physical materials or biological processes. Smoke, mold, bacteria, pet contamination, moisture, sewage, food, and chemical compounds all release microscopic molecules into the air. These molecules travel to your nose, where they're detected by your olfactory system. Eliminating an odor permanently requires identifying and removing its source—not simply masking the smell with fragrances.

Michele Matthews
August 10, 2026

The Science of Odor

Why Homes Become Nose Blind: The Science Behind Why You Can’t Smell Your Own House

a couple can smell the left over smells of cats that the owner had grown nose blind to.

Homeowners become nose blind because the brain naturally filters familiar odors through a process called olfactory adaptation. As odor receptors continue sending the same signals over time, the brain decides those smells are no longer important and gradually stops paying attention to them. While homeowners may no longer notice lingering pet, smoke, cooking, or musty odors, visitors entering the home for the first time often detect them immediately because their brains haven't adapted to those smells.

Michele Matthews
August 3, 2026