Dr Will Tullett from the University of York has called for expanded olfactory education among children, arguing that modern life has degraded people’s ability to distinguish between different smells. He noted that environmental pollution impairs olfactory capabilities, while many contemporary products—from food items to automobiles and household goods—have been stripped of natural scents and replaced with artificial alternatives.
Tullett emphasized that formal smell training could occur in schools and at home. He proposed encouraging people to engage in greater sensory exploration of their environments, similar to how professional sommeliers expand their ability to detect and describe aromas by visiting marketplaces and systematically smelling various items. This practice builds a broader reference framework for comparing and contrasting different odors.
Beyond sensory appreciation, Tullett highlighted practical benefits of olfactory awareness. He cited food safety as a significant example, noting that people could rely on their sense of smell to determine freshness rather than depending solely on expiration dates. Research has also linked olfactory ability to wellbeing, with smell loss frequently associated with depression and anxiety.
Despite advocating for greater smell education, Tullett disputed the notion that people undervalue olfaction. He noted that individuals readily share vivid memories connected to particular scents when prompted, but often lack confidence discussing smell or appropriate vocabulary to articulate their experiences.
Tullett also addressed the historical and social dimensions of smell, cautioning against the misconception that past eras were inherently smellier than the present. He warned that smell continues to be weaponized for discrimination, from housing discrimination based on perceived food aromas to proposed legislation targeting rough sleepers. He advocated for greater self-awareness regarding personal olfactory attitudes and increased empathy toward others’ smell preferences. His book on the history of smells is scheduled for publication on 8 September.
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