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Several technologies have been developed to address the problem by modifying the composition of sock materials. In February of 1997, ''[[Daily Mirror|The Daily Mirror]]'' reported that a new fabric had been invented by British scientists to eliminate smelly socks.<ref>The Mirror, February 1997, Smelly socks get the boot.</ref> [[Disinfectant]] treatments such as [[silver nanoparticles]] may be applied to socks to prevent them from smelling.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/southkorea/1434022/Slivers-of-silver-solve-the-problem-of-smelly-socks.html |title=Slivers of silver solve the problem of smelly socks |author=Roger Highfield |date=25 Jun 2003 |publisher=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> The [[United States Air Force Academy]] issued a 2009 request to vendors that included socks incorporating antimicrobial silver yarn technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=2c40030c398adf346dec411a6e3e0cec&tab=core&_cview=0|title=USAF Academy Cadet Socks|publisher=[[Federal Business Opportunities]]|accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref> This technology has encountered some opposition; a study conducted by researchers at [[Arizona State University]] examined the possibility that the silver particles could be released when the socks were washed, posing environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nanotechnology Law Report|url=http://www.nanolawreport.com/NanoLawReportJuly2008.pdf|page=5|publisher=Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP|accessdate=2010-07-08}}</ref> In 2000, the [[University of California]] announced a joint venture with private companies to develop socks that would reduce the problem by incorporating [[halamine]] compounds, a relatively stable form of [[chlorine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=5319|publisher=[[University of California]]|title=New Invention Creates Odor-Free Socks, Infection-Fighting Scrubs|accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref> In 2005 [[Dow Corning]] proposed the incorporation of [[alkoxysilane]]s as a preventive measure.<ref>{{cite web|title=A New, Durable Antimicrobial Finish for Textiles|url=http://www.texbac.de/AEGIS_antimicrob_finish03_2005.pdf|publisher=texbac.de|accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref>
Several technologies have been developed to address the problem by modifying the composition of sock materials. In February of 1997, ''[[Daily Mirror|The Daily Mirror]]'' reported that a new fabric had been invented by British scientists to eliminate smelly socks.<ref>The Mirror, February 1997, Smelly socks get the boot.</ref> [[Disinfectant]] treatments such as [[silver nanoparticles]] may be applied to socks to prevent them from smelling.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/southkorea/1434022/Slivers-of-silver-solve-the-problem-of-smelly-socks.html |title=Slivers of silver solve the problem of smelly socks |author=Roger Highfield |date=25 Jun 2003 |publisher=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> The [[United States Air Force Academy]] issued a 2009 request to vendors that included socks incorporating antimicrobial silver yarn technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=2c40030c398adf346dec411a6e3e0cec&tab=core&_cview=0|title=USAF Academy Cadet Socks|publisher=[[Federal Business Opportunities]]|accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref> This technology has encountered some opposition; a study conducted by researchers at [[Arizona State University]] examined the possibility that the silver particles could be released when the socks were washed, posing environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nanotechnology Law Report|url=http://www.nanolawreport.com/NanoLawReportJuly2008.pdf|page=5|publisher=Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP|accessdate=2010-07-08}}</ref> In 2000, the [[University of California]] announced a joint venture with private companies to develop socks that would reduce the problem by incorporating [[halamine]] compounds, a relatively stable form of [[chlorine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=5319|publisher=[[University of California]]|title=New Invention Creates Odor-Free Socks, Infection-Fighting Scrubs|accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref> In 2005 [[Dow Corning]] proposed the incorporation of [[alkoxysilane]]s as a preventive measure.<ref>{{cite web|title=A New, Durable Antimicrobial Finish for Textiles|url=http://www.texbac.de/AEGIS_antimicrob_finish03_2005.pdf|publisher=texbac.de|accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref>

Researchers reported, in 2011, on a technique to permanently block the development of pathogenic germs, which can cause odor in socks and other clothing.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14045387]</ref>


==Animal attraction==
==Animal attraction==

Revision as of 01:19, 7 July 2011

Smelly socks waiting to be washed

Smelly socks are socks which have acquired an unpleasant odour due to prolonged use. Their aroma, which is complex and remains the object of study, is a mixture of ammonia, fatty acids (in particular, isovaleric acid)[1], and lactic acid.[2]

While odorous socks are repellent to most humans, they are a strong attractant for some animals, including dogs and mosquitos. They have proven useful in controlling the behavior of these animals.

Although the odour of smelly socks is often associated with feet, it arises independently of contact with human feet in various foodstuffs such as dairy products, cheeses, sausages and fish sauce, and is naturally present in several plants.[3][4][5][6] The smell has also been noted in building and automotive air treatment systems, where it is described as "jock socks odor" or "dirty socks syndrome".

Several technologies have been developed to incorporate materials into sock textiles which reduce or eliminate the bad smell.

Air contamination

Smelly socks have an unpleasant odour. This commonly results from bacterial action upon stale sweat which accumulates due to confining footwear.[7] The odor has also presented itself as a problem among users of prosthetics.[8]

Smelly socks may be a source of air contamination in aircraft and dwellings.[9][10] Their distinctive unpleasant odour is commonly used as a reference.

A 1996 Popular Mechanics article describes "jock socks odor" complaints as one of the magazine's most frequent queries with regard to automotive air conditioning systems, attributing the odor to fungal growth within the auto.[11] The term "Dirty Sock Syndrome" is used to describe unpleasant odors that arise in building heating and cooling systems.[12][13] High-efficiency heat pumps in the southeastern US have been noted as frequent offenders.[14]

Medical aspects

The odor is a diagnostic feature of a serious medical condition, Isovaleric acidemia.

A widespread consumer perception of the odor in the medication metformin, frequently used to treat Type 2 diabetes, may have contributed to patient refusals of the treatment.[15]

A test of olfactory abilities deemed useful in Japan employs detection of "sweaty socks" odor, along with two other odors, as a useful metric of these abilities.[16]

When fresh, alkyl nitrites or "poppers", smell fruity, but when stale their aroma seems like smelly socks.[17]

Mitigation

There are various products designed to handle the problem of smelly socks, by containing the smell or eliminating it.

In a police station in Brighton England, the police installed a stinkproof locker specifically to keep prisoners smelly socks in while they are in custody. [18]

Several technologies have been developed to address the problem by modifying the composition of sock materials. In February of 1997, The Daily Mirror reported that a new fabric had been invented by British scientists to eliminate smelly socks.[19] Disinfectant treatments such as silver nanoparticles may be applied to socks to prevent them from smelling.[20] The United States Air Force Academy issued a 2009 request to vendors that included socks incorporating antimicrobial silver yarn technology.[21] This technology has encountered some opposition; a study conducted by researchers at Arizona State University examined the possibility that the silver particles could be released when the socks were washed, posing environmental concerns.[22] In 2000, the University of California announced a joint venture with private companies to develop socks that would reduce the problem by incorporating halamine compounds, a relatively stable form of chlorine.[23] In 2005 Dow Corning proposed the incorporation of alkoxysilanes as a preventive measure.[24]

Researchers reported, in 2011, on a technique to permanently block the development of pathogenic germs, which can cause odor in socks and other clothing.[25]

Animal attraction

In a study of the odours most likely to attract mosquitos, smelly socks were found to be the most effective, topping the list along with Limburger cheese.[26] Their strong odour will also attract other dangerous wild animals such as bear.[27]

Because this smell is so effective at attracting mosquitos while Africans in malarial zones lack a ready supply of real smelly socks, it has been synthesised at the University of Wageningen. Synthetic smelly socks are then used to bait traps which attract the mosquitos and so divert them from biting real people. This then prevents transmission of the deadly disease, malaria. The synthetic mixture of ammonia, fatty acids, and lactic acid is effective but not as good as real sweaty socks. The composition of the authentic smell is still being analysed to determine the remaining active ingredients.[2]

The East African jumping spider or vampire spider preys upon mosquitos which have fed upon blood. It is attracted to the same smell for this reason and this has been demonstrated using an olfactometer which was loaded alternately with clean and smelly socks.[28]

Dogs are strongly attracted to the scent of socks that have been worn by humans. They may self-medicate themselves during attacks of separation anxiety by focusing on these items.[29] The attraction is used in dog training, where the odorous socks may serve as a distractant or as a lure during crate training.[30][31]

Animal repelling

Smelly socks have been used to repel deer. Benefits include they are cheap and accessible, require little effort to put out each morning, and are quite effective at keeping deer out of your flower garden.[32]

Artistic use

The smell of dirty socks was the most unpleasant of the smells provided in the movie Polyester which featured Odorama in the form of scratch and sniff cards.[33]

At Fort Siloso in Singapore, the liquid scent of smelly socks is part of the exhibition which provides tourists with a sensory impression of its historical use during WW2.[34]

Botany

Smelly Socks Grevillea

The plant White Plume Grevillea has long white flowers whose stink resembles that of smelly socks, causing the plant to be known as "Smelly Socks Grevillea" or "Old Socks".[35] Another plant with a similar smell and name is Clary Sage.[36] The herb valerian has a musty smell of this sort too.[37] Mushrooms of the genus Amanita often have a strong odour which may also seem like that of smelly socks.[38]

Fetish

Some people experience erotic arousal from smelly socks and so others may sell their used socks to those with this fetish.[39][40] In a 1994 study, 45% of those with a foot fetish were found to be aroused by smelly socks.[41] Those aroused by smelly socks often are aroused only by a certain type of sock, or those worn by a particular person, or type of person, eg athletes.

Folk medicine and magic

Smelly socks are favoured for use as a component in the making of powerful charms or spells, especially in voodoo or magic of African origin.[42][43] They may be worn around the neck as a cure for a cold.[44] In addition, used socks may be used in spells cast on particular people, namely love spells, (the socks of the two parties may be bound together during the spell) binding spells, (the socks of the offender are knotted to inflict a binding on that person) or curses (the socks are burned or otherwise destroyed to inflict harm on their wearer). Then there is distance healing, where the socks are sent healing energy, and this transfers to their wearer, who gets a reflexology massage by magic. Sweaty socks contain the person's 'essence'. Furthermore, in reflexology, each body part has a nerve ending in the feet. Add to that the emotions of sexual arousal and/or revulsion caused by the smell, and you have a magical item.

Marketing

Smelly socks were used as the basis for a marketing campaign for British Knights sneakers. Viewers were invited to send in their socks which would then be assessed for smell by a panel of judges which included a dog.[45]

A recurring theme in the television series Married with Children revolved around the stinky socks of the character Al Bundy. [46]

References

  1. ^ "In Short: Taste & Smell". Johns Hopkins University. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  2. ^ a b Kent Mensah (21 June 2010), "Smelly socks to fight malaria", Africa News
  3. ^ Stephanie Clark, Michael Costello, Floyd Bodyfelt, MaryAnne Drake (2008), The sensory evaluation of dairy products, シュプリンガー・ジャパン株式会社, p. 114, ISBN 9780387774060{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Patrick F. Fox, P. F. Fox, Timothy M. Cogan, Timothy P. Guinee (2000), Fundamentals of cheese science, Springer, p. 220, ISBN 9780834212602{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Yiu H. Hui, Y. H. Hui (2004), Handbook of food and beverage fermentation technology, CRC Press, p. 408, ISBN 9780824747800
  6. ^ Pham, A.J.; Schilling, M.W.; Yoon, Y.; Kamadia, V.V.; Marshall, D.L. (2008), "Characterization of Fish Sauce Aroma-Impact Compounds Using GC-MS, SPME-Osme-GCO, and Stevens' Power Law Exponents", Journal of Food Science, 73 (4): C268–74, doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00709.x, PMID 18460121
  7. ^ Active Interest Media, Inc (Sep 1998), "Toxic Sock Syndrome‎", Backpacker, 26 (171): 24
  8. ^ "A Study of the Development and the Deordorizing Capability of Metal Phthatalocyanine Processed Stump Socks for Amputees" (PDF). Kobe University School of Medicine. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  9. ^ Susan Michaelis (2007), Aviation Contaminated Air Reference Manual, ISBN 9780955567209
  10. ^ Randy Blume (1999), Crazy in the cockpit, p. 19, ISBN 0789425726
  11. ^ Popular Mechanics Nov 1996, Popular Mechanics, 1996, p. 115
  12. ^ "A New Solution Found for Dirty Sock Syndrome". The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration NEWS. Retrieved 2010-07-09.
  13. ^ "HETA 98-0300-2723 Dollar General Store Prestonsburg, Kentucky" (PDF). Centers for Disease Control. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  14. ^ Popular Science Mar 1991, Popular Science, 1991, p. 44, ISSN 0161-7370
  15. ^ "Regimens: Pungent Pills". New York Times. 2010-02-15. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
  16. ^ Shiga, Hideaki; Miwa, Takaki; Tsukatani, Toshiaki; Kinoshita, Yayoi; Saito, Sachiko; Kobayakawa, Tatsu; Deguchi, Yuichi; Furukawa, Mitsuru (2007), "Olfactory Disturbance Screening with the Odor Stick Identification Test (OSIT-J) in Executive Checkups", Nippon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho, 110 (8): 586–91, doi:10.3950/jibiinkoka.110.586, PMID 17874540
  17. ^ Substance Use and Misuse: Nature, Context, and Clinical Interventions. G. Hussein Rassool. Wiley-Blackwell, 1998. ISBN 0632048840. p.48
  18. ^ "Scent to jail", Sunday Mirror, Jun 5, 2005
  19. ^ The Mirror, February 1997, Smelly socks get the boot.
  20. ^ Roger Highfield (25 Jun 2003), Slivers of silver solve the problem of smelly socks, The Daily Telegraph
  21. ^ "USAF Academy Cadet Socks". Federal Business Opportunities. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  22. ^ "Nanotechnology Law Report" (PDF). Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. p. 5. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  23. ^ "New Invention Creates Odor-Free Socks, Infection-Fighting Scrubs". University of California. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  24. ^ "A New, Durable Antimicrobial Finish for Textiles" (PDF). texbac.de. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  25. ^ [1]
  26. ^ L. Patricia Kite (2001-01-01), Insect Facts and Folklore, ISBN 9780761318224
  27. ^ Dave Smith (2006), Backcountry Bear Basics: The Definitive Guide to Avoiding Unpleasant Encounters‎, p. 119, ISBN 9781594850288
  28. ^ Victoria Gill (16 February 2011), Mosquito-eating spider likes smelly socks, BBC
  29. ^ Steven R. Lindsay (2001), Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training: Etiology and assessment of behavior problems. Volume 2 of Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, John Wiley & Sons, p. 108, ISBN 9780813828688
  30. ^ Victoria Schade (2009), Bonding with Your Dog: A Trainer's Secrets for Building a Better Relationship, John Wiley and Sons, p. 99, ISBN 9780470409152
  31. ^ Dan Rice (2001), Big dog breeds, Barron's Educational Series, p. 28, ISBN 9780764116490
  32. ^ Conners, Maureen (August 5, 2001). "Not even the deer like old, smelly socks". The Sun. Retrieved 2010-07-07. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  33. ^ Jim Drobnick (2006), The smell culture reader, p. 360, ISBN 9781845202132
  34. ^ Muzainia, Hamzah; Teob, Peggy; Yeoh, Brenda S. A. (2007), "Intimations of postmodernity in dark tourism", Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 5 (1): 28–45, doi:10.2167/jtcc082.0
  35. ^ Don Burke (2005-11-01), The complete Burke's backyard, ISBN 9781740457392
  36. ^ Rosemary Alexander (2009-05-27), The Essential Garden Design Workbook, p. 210, ISBN 9780881929751
  37. ^ Pamela Hirsch (2001-05-01), The traveler's natural medicine kit, pp. 116–7, ISBN 9780892819478
  38. ^ William C. Roody (2003-04), Mushrooms of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians, p. 50, ISBN 9780813190396 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ Bartele Santema (2005), "Smelly socks", Bule gila, p. 142, ISBN 9789793780047
  40. ^ Stefan Bechtel, Larry Stains, Laurence Roy Stains (1996), Sex, p. 12, ISBN 9780875962993{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ Patricia B. Sutker, Henry E. Adams (2001), Comprehensive handbook of psychopathology, p. 762, ISBN 9780306464904
  42. ^ Lynn Maria Hudson (2002), The making of "Mammy Pleasant": a Black entrepreneur in nineteenth-century, pp. 68–69, ISBN 9780252027710
  43. ^ Timothy Michael Olney (2003), Life Positive, p. 92, ISBN 9780971907904
  44. ^ T. K. Pratt (1996-11-19), Dictionary of Prince Edward Island English, p. 77, ISBN 9780802079046
  45. ^ Eric Yaverbaum, Robert W. Bly, Richard Kirshenbaum, Ilise Benun (2006-05-12), Public Relations for Dummies, p. 184, ISBN 9780471772729{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  46. ^ http://news.google.com/archivesearch?scoring=a&q=%22Smelly+socks%22+%22Al+Bundy%22+source:%22-newswire%22+source:%22-wire%22+source:%22-presswire%22+source:%22-PR%22+source:%22-press%22+source:%22-release%22+source:%22-wikipedia%22&spell=1
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