Dirty sock odour = base stock of oil- carboxylic acids
Air Quality within Commercial Aircraft ( pdf available here)
8.1.1.Carboxylic Acids. Carboxylic acids originate predominantly from the thermal decomposition and hydrolysis of synthetic turbine oil. This decomposition occurs in airconditioning systems if oil residue and moisture are present. These acids have very low odor thresholds and can be irritating to the observer. Carboxylic acids have a smell characteristic of dirty socks. They are not specifically regulated by the FARs.
8.1.2.10 Esters. Esters are used in the base stocks of synthetic turbine oil and are combined with carboxylic acids
during the synthesis process. Thermal decomposition causes turbine oil to revert back to esters and carboxylic acids.
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Carbolic Acid (phenol)is an extremely poisonous compound, used in dilute solution as an antimicrobial, anesthetic, and antipruritic. Ingestion or absorption through the skin causes symptoms including colic, local irritation, corrosion, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, shock and respiratory arrest. Phenol should be properly labeled and stored to avoid accidental poisoning.
Air Quality within Commercial Aircraft ( pdf available here)
8.1.1.Carboxylic Acids. Carboxylic acids originate predominantly from the thermal decomposition and hydrolysis of synthetic turbine oil. This decomposition occurs in airconditioning systems if oil residue and moisture are present. These acids have very low odor thresholds and can be irritating to the observer. Carboxylic acids have a smell characteristic of dirty socks. They are not specifically regulated by the FARs.
8.1.2.10 Esters. Esters are used in the base stocks of synthetic turbine oil and are combined with carboxylic acids
during the synthesis process. Thermal decomposition causes turbine oil to revert back to esters and carboxylic acids.
________________________
Carbolic Acid (phenol)is an extremely poisonous compound, used in dilute solution as an antimicrobial, anesthetic, and antipruritic. Ingestion or absorption through the skin causes symptoms including colic, local irritation, corrosion, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, shock and respiratory arrest. Phenol should be properly labeled and stored to avoid accidental poisoning.
