Yesterday's stank source has been identified. I was more correct with the stink bomb theory, except the perpetrators were our IT guys.
We have a large server farm located downtown (production) and a smaller farm locally (development). The server room is protected by an advanced fire retardant system. If fire is detected it floods the room with a gas that eliminates all oxygen therefor extinguishing the fire. The gas is harmless to electrical components and is odorless.
Odorless, that is, until a chemical is added to it to produce a strong odor. This is done to give an olfactory notification that the system was used and the room is compromised and possibly dangerous until completely ventilated. A very good idea.
Unfortunately the chemical used produces a smell like burning sulfur or Zeus's own gaseous expulsion. Why in the world would they choose such an obnoxious odor for the telltale? What's wrong with cinnamon or vanilla? Maybe a fresh pine scent would give just as much notice that something happened and yet allow everybody within the building work without constantly fighting their gag reflex. Hell, I'd settle for new car smell.
Personally I think it has something to do with the fact that the corporate IT guys work downtown. I bet their system smells like roses when it goes off.
My guess is that the sulfur imparts the sense of urgency. If it smelled like cinnamon toast, one might not take care of the situation as quickly as one should.
??
Just a thought. But yeah. Ugh.
Well... I don' t know about that. What if it smelled like popcorn? You know that everyone and their grandmother shows up when the popcorn smell hits the air. Nothing more urgent than going around the office saying, "who made popcorn?" as if they are going to get some if they figure it out. Annoying as hell, but if it makes the ear perk - it's a smell I would use.