Many people are temporarily troubled by unpleasant smells from time to time, especially those living in rural farming communities. Where an unpleastant odour is persistent, unreasonable, and significantly impacts the quality of life it may become a statutory nuisance. Sources of odour nuisances may include:
- Waste facilities (landfills, waste treatment plants)
- Agricultural practices (livestock, slurry spreading)
- Industrial activities (chemical plants, factories)
- Commercial premises (restaurants, food processing plants)
When odour is severe and continuous, it can cause discomfort, nausea, and general irritation.
Environmental health officers assess odour nuisances based on the frequency, intensity, duration, and the offensiveness of the smell.