Humans can smell rain better than sharks can smell blood, and it’s all because of something bacteria, algae, and fungi produce. Called geosmin, it is a chemical compound produced by certain types of bacteria, algae, and fungi, and if you are human, you can detect the scent of geosmin in very low concentrations—as low as 100…

Did anyone ever tell you that you smell bad? Funky breath or stinky underarms can happen to anyone, at any age. Whether or not you’ve noticed them, some body odors can signal a health problem. But most breath and body odors are normal. “Bad breath is most often caused by bacteria on the teeth and…

The reports from covid-19 patients are disconcerting. Only a few hours before, they were enjoying a cup of pungent coffee or the fragrance of flowers in a garden. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, those smells disappeared. Young and old alike are affected — more than 80% to 90% of those diagnosed with…

LOS ANGELES—The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued violation notices to a flavoring company in City Terrace for causing smelly air and failure to properly permit equipment, it was announced Dec. 9. After South Coast received complaints of artificial sweet, burnt candy-type odors in the region, inspectors traced the smells to Mutual Flavors, a…

LOS ANGELES—The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued violation notices to Los Angeles County and four companies following a probe into a noxious smell coming from decaying organic material in the Dominguez Channel, the agency announced Dec. 3. Thousands of residents from Carson, West Carson, and portions of Gardena, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Wilmington,…

A group of Carson residents sued a warehouse owner and business for allegedly dumping debris from a warehouse fire into the Dominguez Channel, exacerbating the foul odor. The class-action lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that business Art Naturals allegedly “maintained unsafe conditions” and stored flammable ethanol-based sanitizer products at a…

Carson residents expressed frustration as city officials said the foul odor emanating throughout the city for nearly four weeks may extend to the weekend. Residents began to see a glimmer of hope after LA County Public Works Director (DPW) Mark Pestrella said earlier this week that he expected to see a “significant change in the…

CARSON, Calif.—The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Oct. 19 to expedite support for residents in Carson and neighboring communities suffering from the stench emanating from the Dominguez Channel. Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Janice Hahn co-authored a motion calling on the Department of Public Works (DPW) and county CEO to do what it takes…

The foul odor emanating from Dominguez Channel was declared a “public nuisance” at a special Carson City Council meeting on Oct. 11, with officials promising a reimbursement plan to help residents pay for air filters. Mark Pestrella, Los Angeles County’s Director of Public Works, said during the meeting that organic waste material drying out in…

The foul odor emanating from Dominguez Channel was declared a “public nuisance” at a special Carson City Council meeting on Oct. 11, with officials promising a reimbursement plan to help residents pay for air filters. Mark Pestrella, Los Angeles County’s Director of Public Works, said during the meeting that organic waste material drying out in…