Odour is a sensory response to the chemicals in the inhaled air. Air quality is affected not only due to conventional air pollutants but also due to unpleasant odours. The usual effect of bad odours is nuisance, but in more serious cases it may lead to feelings of nausea and headache and to other symptoms that appear to be related to stress. Odour pollution has distinctly different characteristics and is undoubtedly the more complex of all the air pollution problems.

Till date, not much attention has been paid towards odour problems in the country. Considering the likely increase in odour problems in the country. the central pollution control board (CPCB) constituted an expert committee on odour pollution and its control, to look into the extent of problem, its measurement, control and regulation aspects.

The guidelines deals with the basics of odour pollution, its sources, measurement, control technologies, case studies in India and international regulations and legislations.