Name those Aromas

davetravis · Jan 22, 2008

Someone interested in taking my Ilfochrome printing class said she is "sensitive" to certain smells.
She asked "What do the chems smell like?"
Honestly, I didn't have an answer.
I know what they smell like, dev, blx, fix, but how do you relate those smells to everyday aromas?
Are there any equivalents?

Sparky · Jan 22, 2008

old socks, i think...? at least my dirty socks do... but my biochemistry is probably half fixer by weight...

JBrunner · Jan 22, 2008

davetravis said:
Someone interested in taking my Ilfochrome printing class said she is "sensitive" to certain smells.
She asked "What do the chems smell like?"
Honestly, I didn't have an answer.
I know what they smell like, dev, blx, fix, but how do you relate those smells to everyday aromas?
Are there any equivalents?

Sensitive to certain smells sound like a brain thing. Since we are similar organisms we can assume that we experience various stimuli in a similar fashion, but knowing if the smell of blix is going to trigger the memory of her dead dog Ralph is a crapshoot at best.

If she is on the other hand sensitized or allergic to certain things, she needs to figure out what those things are.

I can't think of what else you could do besides furnishing a list of the chemicals used, and perhaps suggesting a visit to your darkroom, or one near her if she is not local.

BobNewYork · Jan 22, 2008

It's the aroma of creative potential!!!

I think the only aroma I've ever noticed was stop bath when I'm mixing it. Tell her it's "Mind over Matter" - you don't mind; and she doesn't matter!!!!

Good Luck Dave

Nigel · Jan 22, 2008

By way of background, I am a health professional by training (but I no longer practice). Now for a minor rant.

I always have trouble with this notion of sensitive to certain smells; especially when I see signs in hospitals asking that perfumed products not be worn due to sensitivity to odors. Clearly the term sensitive is used to conjure up the image of allergy, but carefully avoiding the term allergy. Health proffesionals understand allergy and that it can be life threatening. Sensitive to odors is an unknown.

It is much like the patients that claim an allergy to drugs. What they mean is that they had an adverse reaction - often soemthing minor like upset stomache. But in the health professional, it sends up the red flag of anaphylaxis.

I often wonder how much is required to come up with a diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome. End rant.

I would suggest inquiring further about what the sensitivity is - what chemicals/smells, and what the reaction is. This should help you decide if this is a person you really want to deal with.

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Jan 22, 2008

Ammonia smells a lot like certain unwashed body parts that shall remain nameless for now. It's really noticeable when you use selenium toner. HC-110 also reminds me of certain bodily odors. I guess it's because all these products come from organic chemistry, and we are also organic chemicals.

davetravis · Jan 22, 2008

BobNewYork said:
It's the aroma of creative potential!!!

I think the only aroma I've ever noticed was stop bath when I'm mixing it. Tell her it's "Mind over Matter" - you don't mind; and she doesn't matter!!!!

Good Luck Dave

Ole · Jan 22, 2008

I'm "sensitive to" certain smells too, meaning that they give allergy-like symptoms which can be alleviated with antihistamines.

But in my case I have enough background in chemistry that I've managed to find out that they are all terpenols, which aren't used in any photo chemicals I've ever come across. Only in perfumes, laundry, detergents, air fresheners, sweets (!), orange peel, geraniums, and so on. I read "Natural scent" or "aroma" as a warning to keep away.

Stephen Frizza · Jan 22, 2008

what do they smell like????.....bliss hehehehehehe!

davetravis · Jan 24, 2008

Nigel said:
By way of background, I am a health professional by training (but I no longer practice). Now for a minor rant.

I always have trouble with this notion of sensitive to certain smells; especially when I see signs in hospitals asking that perfumed products not be worn due to sensitivity to odors. Clearly the term sensitive is used to conjure up the image of allergy, but carefully avoiding the term allergy. Health proffesionals understand allergy and that it can be life threatening. Sensitive to odors is an unknown.

It is much like the patients that claim an allergy to drugs. What they mean is that they had an adverse reaction - often soemthing minor like upset stomache. But in the health professional, it sends up the red flag of anaphylaxis.

I often wonder how much is required to come up with a diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome. End rant.

I would suggest inquiring further about what the sensitivity is - what chemicals/smells, and what the reaction is. This should help you decide if this is a person you really want to deal with.

Nigel,
Food for thought, thanks!

Name those Aromas

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