Although originally intended for farmers, the Odor Law has an extensive impact on tenants of blocks of flats. Thus, those who are used to cooking with the door wide open in their apartments could be severely penalized.
Moreover, the legislation also applies to odors considered pleasant, such as those of chocolate or coffee. Rodica Militaru, one of the initiators of the law, explains that the objective of this regulation is to reduce the olfactory discomfort generated by polluting activities.
And that’s because it was found that this discomfort not only affects the quality of life, but, according to medical studies, it can lead to the appearance of neurological conditions over time.
The law of smells, also applied to those staying in the block
“I think that neighbors should be concerned about good coexistence. Even before the advent of the law, it was not desirable that instead of opening the window when cooking, the neighbor should open the door to the hall, so that the smell of cooking would spread throughout the block.
But if there is this habit constantly and the neighbor does not take into account the requests of the other tenants, yes, the law can be invoked. If the smells are occasional and in the open air, I think we can all be understanding”, Rodica Militaru also declared.
She pointed out that the practice of cooking with the door open in the apartment is not considered civilized.
Apartments. Photo source: Vlad Ispas | Dreamstime.com
She believes that these aspects are fundamental to civilization. Militaru added that there are people who can be affected by this law, especially the “ultrasensitive” neighbors to smells, and the law can be used in bad faith in such situations.
On another note, Rodica Militaru added that the odor law can also be applied in the case of odors perceived as pleasant.
“Smells of chocolate or roasted coffee are considered pleasant, but if they come from factories that work 24/24, they can become very annoying, and those factories will have to take measures to ensure that the smells are contained.”
Fines for violating the law reach up to 30,000 lei
The Odor Law, adopted by Parliament and sent for promulgation, states that public authorities are obliged to control activities that do not comply with environmental protection regulations and that may generate olfactory discomfort, upon public request.
Fines for individuals can reach up to 30,000 lei, while for legal entities the maximum fines can reach 80,000 lei.
Photo source: Aaron Amat | Dreamstime.com
“A team of specialists from various fields worked to develop the Odor Law. Our documentation showed that there are standards, methodology and equipment for measuring the intensity of odors.
In Romania there is at least one RENAR accredited laboratory for determining the level of odor by dynamic olfactometry, namely the National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology (ECOIND).
Analysis bulletins issued by an accredited laboratory are valid internationally. Therefore, determinations of the level of olfactory discomfort can be made in Romania”, said Rodica Militaru, according to stîripesurse.ro.
