A paper published on ‘Building and Environment’ entitled ‘Perceived air quality (PAQ) assessment methods in office buildings: A systematic review towards an indoor smellscape approach’ discusses the crucial impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) on office occupants' productivity and health, emphasising the need for clear standards addressing Perceived Air Quality (PAQ). 

Current standards often lack metrics for PAQ, prompting a review of methods for its assessment in office settings. Based on a comprehensive analysis of 93 studies, questionnaires are the predominant method (90%), assessing aspects like worker satisfaction on Likert scales. Olfactory assessments use 6-point scales, focusing on odour intensity. 

The study advocates for future research to enhance IAQ standards with a perceptual approach, aiming for pleasant indoor olfactory environments, or smellscapes.