Again, he bears in mind the fact that this footprint is just a ballpark estimate of the real area where people may detect ethyl mercaptan. People with especially sensitive noses may detect ethyl mercaptan's odor at distances farther from the vessel than the footprint indicates. Others with poorer senses of smell may not detect the odor even if they are well within the area covered by the footprint. Still, Jim is glad to have at least a general idea of the extent of the area where emergency and medical services would be called on most heavily. Having obtained ballpark estimates of the potential area where a toxic threat could develop if the vessel were to enter port, as well as the potential area where people might draw most heavily on emergency services, Jim now feels better-prepared to decide whether to allow the vessel to enter port.
Odor thresholds for chemicals with established occupational health standards.
Bureau of Explosives, American Association of Railroads . Emergency Action Guides. U.S. Coast Guard.