A new CEN group aims to develop a norm on technologies for monitoring odours. The group met on October 26 for the fourth time to discuss different aspects of electronic odour monitoring. While the objective of the group is clear and much needed, one would ask if there is now a requirement on standardization of this technology. In most industries, the technology would need to reach a certain level of maturity before standardization comes into play. 

Current technologies being offered and researched include Gas Chromatography, Electronic Sensors, Photo-Ionization, Nano tubes, Metal oxide sensors and more.  This is just in the sensing technology. The real challenge is in correlation and calibration of the pollutants to odour concentration. Scentroid's SL50 introduced a number of new technologies to this field that have dramatically changed the way the sensor correlation is done. These advancements include full sensor customization, new learning algorithms based on fuzzy logic and neural networks, use of field olfactometry for large data collection, use of wind direction as part of the learning parameters, and much more.  

At this stage perhaps the most beneficial step would be a working group of universities and corporations in active researchers and manufacturing of instruments for odour measurement. This would allow for agreements on testing methods and possible close collaboration to further enhance the new technologies being developed. Once the technology is matured to a point that acceptable and unacceptable methodologies can be drawn, a regulatory body or another working group would be needed to accredit the instruments.