nose fest

Yes, so we are in food science making bread, and in the meantime, while it was baking, we had to complete a rancidity test. The test was to observe what happened to potato chips and butter when exposed to various environments. The samples were distributed by the window, in a warm oven, and in the refrigerator four weeks ago and now it was time take the items and smell them as the teacher instructed. Now, even before the results were unveiled I obviously knew the outcome. I was asking myself, “why were we doing this, couldn’t we just check for old rancid food in my college locker, or maybe someone’s backpack?” It would be much easier and more helpful in the long run. However, reluctantly the foil wrappers were peeled off. Gag like sounds and coughs echoed throughout the room as various groups followed directions.

Now it was time to add some Hydrocholric acid (HCL). Whoa you may remark. Bread in the oven, toxic smelling samples, and then chemical experiments? Why yes, we do this all the time in this class. Large bottles of chemicals are but a few feet away from the sugar bowl and the eating dishes. Anyways, we were supposed to mix the HCL with some other chemical and if the food item turned red it meant that it had gone rancid. The HCL container looked very old itself, with a faded pencil scribbled identification on the outside. So when C, my lab partner, opened the bottle it was suprising (but not really) when it started evaporating and steaming at room temperature.

So, how does one feel when steaming vaporizing HCL gas is leaking out of its container and spreading around the room? Well, first there is a noticeable stinging burning sensation around the nostrils, which later spreads to the bosom. This is then followed by the realization that what was in the bottle might have not been HCL at all. Which is followed by a moment of panic and the thought of “I just inhaled some sort of gas and I am feeling these strange sensations…. Ahhhhh!”

We were trying to be good students and continued on attempting to complete the test, holding our breath and yanking our lab coat collars over our noses. However it was all becoming quite ridiculous and we decided to terminate the experiment because there was no need to "risk our lives" to confirm that old butter was rancid.

Everyone was o.k. I went outside for some fresh air.

Later, the bread came out and it was assuring to smell it becuase that confirmed my sense of smell wasn’t damaged.

So glad I am able to say it was wonderful.