CHEMICALS
There are many odors, which, while being pleasant to some, cause great discomfort to others. The most notable of these are the fragrances found in perfumes, after-shave lotions and other cosmetics. There are other chemicals, which are used for cleaning purposes, giving color and strength to fabrics in clothing, rugs, draperies, etc, which are offensive to some. Most of these chemicals are from organic compounds, meaning that they were once produced from something that had been alive in the past and which contain a carbon atom.
These compounds fall into two major categories: aliphatic (those with a straight chain of carbon atoms) and aromatic (those with a benzene ring). The simplest aliphatic compound is the one carbon compound formalin or formaldehyde. The simplest aromatic compound is phenol. It is not necessary to test all of the aliphatic compounds or all of the aromatic compounds one encounter to find a level to neutralize to the different aliphatic or aromatic compounds.
Most of the aromatic compounds have an aliphatic side chain so that by testing for formalin, we can neutralize to a host of offending chemicals. Sometimes, though, formalin management is not enough and we have to neutralize to phenol as well. Occasionally, there are other chemicals such as those containing nitrogen, chlorine or fluoride, which we also treat. Many people who are so sensitive to odors keep the formalin or phenol drops with them at all times for they never know when they may become exposed.