Ambient Scenting Applications
The absence of odour does not mean that indoor air quality cannot be substantially improved by the introduction of a scent into an interior space.
Of all the senses, the sense of smell is the most important trigger of memory. Hotels, retail chains and any business seeking to provide positive experiences for their customers and clients and stimulate return business should consider the use of scent to enhance their environment.
Aromatherapy
It is a well known fact that aroma impacts on human emotions and behaviour and the use of essential oils from flowers, herbs and trees to promote health and well-being has become a well-established practice.
Aromatherapy offers many therapeutic benefits for physical as well as mental well-being and there is a growing body of evidence to support the use of essential oils to:
- promote relaxation
- reduce stress
- improve alertness
- improve mood
- energise
- kill disease-causing microbes
- create an antioxidant effect
- reduce inflammation
- relieve pain and depression
It is also recognised that scent can be utilised in the workplace to optimise performance through reduced errors in routine functions, an increase in employees sense of well-being, higher morale and improved customer service which leads to an overall improvement in productivity.
A 1991 study demonstrated that "sustained attention tasks" were performed with greater accuracy by participants in scented rooms as opposed to those in non-scented control rooms1.
Another study found that fragrance had a dramatic and positive effect on proofreading efficiency2.
It is also commonly known that the Tokyo Stock Exchange diffuses a peppermint scent into the air in the afternoons to invigorate the brokers.
Odour Remediation
Sensaroma utilises odour remediation products that are created using state-of-the-art chemistry, mass spectrometry and other analytical instrumentation to formulate the most effective solutions for typical odours, including cigarette smoke, mould and
mildew, garbage and human odours.
References:
1. Dr Joel Warm and Dr William Dembar, Olfactory Stimulation and Sustained Attention, Compendium of Olfactory Research, (Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co, 1995, p 47)
2. Mark Kilauga et al, Consumer Panel Study on the Effect of Peppermint and Lavender Fragrances on Proofreading, Compendium of Olfactory Research, (Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co, 1995, p 131)