Smell the Threat – A team of scientists from the National Institutes of Health and the University of Maryland have found a way to detect toxic odors in the air. The researchers have identified a full spectrum of toxins that can enter the home, including volatile diamines such as putrescine. These odors are known to be a sign of a spill.
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Researchers identify full spectrum of chemicals that can leak into homes
One of the most gratifying things about being a scientist is being able to conduct experiments in a controlled setting. The resulting brew isn’t always the stuff of dreams, but it’s certainly not a total disaster. Most scientists have to make do with the occasional snafus, but a few lucky ones are able to savor the rewards of a booze and paper free environment. Some even go so far as to take the sex off the flies, albeit only on a regular basis.
A new study commissioned by the US Department of Defense has been putting a slew of chemicals to the test, and even better, some are proving to be worth the trouble. For example, one of the chemicals in question was found to be the most likely candidate to be the most likely to be the tamer of your average household. It’s an exciting time for any budding chemist.
Putrescine is a volatile diamine
Putrescine is a four carbon diamine that has a pungent odor. It is found in all living organisms, including humans. This is the chemical responsible for the rotting odor of decaying flesh.
Putrescine is also toxic when it is ingested at high doses. Its odor and poisonous nature make it particularly repulsive.
Putrescine can be synthesized in two different ways. One is through direct decarboxylation of arginine and ornithine. The other involves an indirect three-step process.
Both putrescine and cadaverine have an odour similar to rotting flesh. They are produced during the bacterial decarboxylation of lysine in putrefaction of animal tissue.
Cadaverine has an odor that is more recognizable than putrescine. The odor can be detected in urine, but is only found in small quantities in mammals.
Putrescine is used as a complexing agent in resin technology and as a chemical intermediate. It may also have an influence on stress responses in plants.
Putrescine is a component of the urea cycle, a pathway by which the body eliminates excess nitrogen. A lack of putrescine in plants is associated with an increase in fungal and parasite populations.
Licorice odor was a warning sign of a chemical spill
The licorice smelling chemical leak in Charleston, WV left hundreds of thousands of West Virginians with something to wail about. A plethora of local and state officials, led by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, are attempting to mitigate the damage. Meanwhile, environmental groups say the aforementioned spill is only the tip of the iceberg.
Although the odor was a blip on the radar for most, the tidbit that the eponymous chemical was being discharged into the Elk River was a significant and long lasting occurrence. For example, according to a spokesman for the state environmental protection department, a chemical called MCHM had been present in the water for four days before the aforementioned octet of blues. One such citizen was Robert Stiver, who was concerned about the fates of his cats. His home had a distinct blue hue.
Several MCHM samples were later sent to the EPA for review. The most interesting part of all is that the agency has vowed to look into if and how MCHM can be cleaned up from the surface of the river.
NSF RAPID grant to generate reliable data for MCHM properties
The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) RAPID Grant is a source of funding for research projects that generate reliable data for MCHM properties. This award enables scientists to gather data, conduct experiments, and develop technologies to address MCHM issues.
NSF awards grants based on merit review. During the merit review process, program officers consider the technical aspects of a proposed project. They also evaluate whether the project will advance the NSF mission. Depending on the project’s complexity, additional review time may be required.
During the merit review process, reviewers may make suggestions. These suggestions may include the use of federal employees as lecturers, as well as the participation of employees from federally funded research and development centers. If the proposal includes the participation of federal employees, the organization must obtain prior approval from the agency that funds the project.
For proposals requesting funding from NSF’s Research Terms and Conditions, the grantee must comply with the terms of the Research Terms and Conditions and other NSF issuances.