Emily Johnson
Avondale in Pennsylvania is known for its mushroom farms, and with that comes a distinctive smell. While some describe it as similar to living next to a farm that fertilizes with liquid manure, others say it's like money. The odour is caused by hydrogen sulphide, and while it's not harmful, it can be off-putting to visitors and impact the day-to-day lives of residents, such as preventing them from opening windows. The mushroom industry has recognised the issue and is taking steps to address it, including a nine-month Mushroom Farm Compost Hydrogen Sulfide Mitigation Pilot study.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Avondale, Kennet Square, Toughkenamon |
| Smell | Mushrooms, Manure, Human Waste, Rotten Eggs |
| Cause | Fertilizer Operation, Mushroom Farms |
| Impact | Health issues, Impact on household appliances |
| Action Taken | Hydrogen Sulfide Mitigation Pilot Study |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushroom farms in Avondale, Kennett Square, and Toughkenamon smell like manure
- People in the mushroom industry say it smells like money
- The mushroom smell is caused by hydrogen sulphide
- The American Mushroom Institute is studying hydrogen sulphide levels
- Mushrooms grown indoors do not smell unless in commercial quantities
Mushroom farms in Avondale, Kennett Square, and Toughkenamon smell like manure
Mushroom farms in Avondale, Kennett Square, and Toughkenamon in Pennsylvania, US, are said to smell like manure. This is due to the mushroom farms in the area using manure as fertiliser. The odour has been described as awful, like human waste and rotten eggs, and nasty chemicals.
People in the mushroom industry have a different perspective, claiming that the smell is like money. One person who has lived in the area for ten years commented that you get used to the smell, and there are also plenty of less aromatic days. They advise that you can anticipate the smell and adjust your behaviour accordingly, such as keeping windows closed and not hanging laundry outside on humid days.
The smell has been attributed to the release of Hydrogen Sulfide, an odorous and invisible gas that is produced during the composting of mushrooms. In 2022, residents in the area protested against the neighbouring mushroom farms, citing concerns about the impact of Hydrogen Sulfide on their health and household appliances. This led to a year-long study of air quality in the vicinity, which found that Hydrogen Sulfide levels were 33 times higher than the recommended levels.
Following the study, the American Mushroom Institute (AMI) introduced a nine-month Mushroom Farm Compost Hydrogen Sulfide Mitigation Pilot study to capture and calculate Hydrogen Sulfide levels and oversee mitigation practices.
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People in the mushroom industry say it smells like money
Avondale in Pennsylvania is known for its mushroom farms, and with that comes a distinctive smell. While some might find the odour off-putting, those in the mushroom industry have a different perspective. They say, "It smells like money!" This unique aroma is a sign of the prosperous mushroom farming industry in the region, and locals have learned to associate it with economic success.
The smell of mushroom farms is not always pleasant, and it can be strong enough to deter potential homebuyers in the area. However, those with a nose for business recognise the scent as a symbol of financial opportunity. For them, the smell represents a thriving industry and a chance for prosperity. It is a reminder that their hard work is literally paying off, even if it comes with a certain funk.
While the mushroom industry in Avondale has been a source of income for many, it has also faced criticism. Residents have expressed concerns about the impact of Hydrogen Sulfide on their health and household appliances. In response, the American Mushroom Institute (AMI) has initiated a nine-month study to address these issues and find scientific solutions to alleviate the odours.
Despite the odour, the mushroom industry in Avondale is a significant economic driver. The smell of mushrooms has become intertwined with the idea of financial success for those in the trade. It is a reminder that sometimes, you have to embrace unique scents to reap the rewards. So, while to some it may smell like mushrooms, to those in the know, it smells like money.
The saying, "smells like money" is a playful take on the idea that the mushroom industry is a lucrative one. It is a tongue-in-cheek way of acknowledging that the smell of mushrooms can lead to financial gains. This phrase captures the essence of finding opportunity in unexpected places and making the most of it.
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The mushroom smell is caused by hydrogen sulphide
Avondale in Pennsylvania is known for its mushroom farms, and with that comes a distinctive smell. While some people enjoy the scent, it has been compared to human waste, rotten eggs, and liquid manure. This smell is caused by hydrogen sulphide, a by-product of the mushroom farming process.
Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless gas with a strong, putrid odour. It is produced when organic matter breaks down in the absence of oxygen, a process known as anaerobic digestion. In the case of mushroom farms, the organic matter is usually manure or other fertiliser used to grow the mushrooms.
The gas can be harmful to both health and household appliances. Local residents have reported issues with their appliances, which have had to be replaced at their own expense. The health effects of hydrogen sulphide exposure can include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
To mitigate the impact of hydrogen sulphide on the community, the American Mushroom Institute (AMI) has introduced a nine-month Mushroom Farm Compost Hydrogen Sulfide Mitigation Pilot study. This involves monitoring hydrogen sulphide levels near emission locations at a mushroom farm in Chester County. One proposed mitigation practice is the use of carbon-activated tarps over wastewater "lagoons" to reduce hydrogen sulphide levels.
While the mushroom smell in Avondale is certainly noticeable, it is not always present. There are plenty of less aromatic days when residents can enjoy fresh air. However, on days when the smell is stronger, residents have learned to keep their windows closed and make adjustments to their lifestyles.
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The American Mushroom Institute is studying hydrogen sulphide levels
The American Mushroom Institute (AMI) has recently started a nine-month Mushroom Farm Compost Hydrogen Sulfide Mitigation Pilot study in partnership with Cena and the Mushroom Research Center at Penn State University. The study aims to address the long-standing issue of hydrogen sulphide emissions from mushroom farms in Chester County, Pennsylvania, including areas such as Avondale, Kennett Square, and Toughkenamon.
The study will involve monitoring hydrogen sulphide levels near emission locations at an undisclosed Chester County mushroom farm using six MultiRae gas monitors and a weather station. This data will provide valuable insights into the extent and variability of hydrogen sulphide emissions from mushroom composting operations. Additionally, the study will test a mitigation technique by applying carbon-activated tarps over wastewater "lagoons" to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing hydrogen sulphide levels.
Hydrogen sulphide is a significant concern for residents living near mushroom farms due to its potent odour, often compared to rotten eggs or human waste. The odour can be overwhelming and persistent, leading to complaints from residents and potential homebuyers. Beyond the unpleasant smell, hydrogen sulphide can also have negative effects on health and household appliances, causing concerns for those exposed to elevated levels.
By conducting this study, the American Mushroom Institute is taking a proactive approach to address the concerns of residents and find practical solutions to reduce hydrogen sulphide emissions. The involvement of state representatives, agriculture and health experts, and local government demonstrates a collaborative effort to tackle this issue. The results of the study are highly anticipated by the community, who hope for effective odour mitigation measures and improved air quality in the affected areas.
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Mushrooms grown indoors do not smell unless in commercial quantities
Avondale in Pennsylvania is known for its mushroom farms, and many residents have commented on the mushroom smell in the area. However, it is important to note that mushrooms grown indoors generally do not produce a strong odour unless grown in large or commercial quantities.
When grown indoors, mushrooms typically emit a mild mushroomy scent that is not overwhelming. This smell is comparable to cooking mushrooms, and it dissipates quickly if there is proper ventilation. The growing mycelium gives off this mild odour, which is indicative of healthy mushroom growth. Any strong or foul smells could indicate contamination of the substrate by bacteria.
For example, Oyster mushrooms, a common species, can grow on various organic substrates like cardboard, wood, straw, and grains. While they can be cultivated indoors without producing a noticeable smell, the substrate should be monitored for any unusual odours. Trichoderma, a type of contamination, has a distinct dirt-like smell that can be detected if the contamination is large enough.
Similarly, Lion's Mane Mushrooms, which grow on decaying hardwood in the wild, can be cultivated indoors on hardwood pellets or sawdust. Reishi mushrooms, another aggressive grower, can be grown on rye and other grains with a bulk hardwood substrate. These mushrooms are suitable for indoor cultivation without producing a strong odour.
In conclusion, while Avondale may have a noticeable mushroom smell due to its proximity to mushroom farms, growing mushrooms indoors typically does not create a strong odour unless large quantities are grown commercially. Proper ventilation and monitoring of substrate odours can help maintain a pleasant environment when growing mushrooms indoors.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Avondale, Kennet Square, and Toughkenamon are known for their mushroom farms and the accompanying smell.
The smell of a mushroom farm is often compared to that of manure or fertiliser. Some people describe it as similar to cooking mushrooms, while others say it is like human waste or rotten eggs.
Yes, it seems that people who live near mushroom farms get used to the smell over time. They learn to adjust their habits, such as keeping windows closed and not hanging laundry outside during humid days.
