Some locations seem to display this particular phenomena more than others, the problem is distinguishing a paranormal smell or scent from a normal place or person smell. This can sometimes be problematic, the human nose can easily be fooled, especially when the brain gets involved.

For example a damp smell in a cellar would not be at all unusual, but if there were suddenly a strong smell of Roses, witnessed by two or more people, which just as suddenly disappears that would be unusual. It this is repeated or coupled with other activity, this might then be considered possibly paranormal, if there is no other explanation.

Now lets play sceptics for a moment In the example given, are any of the female members of the team wearing a perfume that smells like roses, you may want to check the men as well as the human nose can be deceived. It is a good idea for investigating team members to refrain from using any strong smelling perfumes or antiperspirants when undertaking investigation if at all possible. Next are there any flowers anywhere near, perhaps there are air vents to a garden or another room with flowers in it. Be creative to completely eliminate a natural cause, smells can travel a surprising distance.

Now once again we need to be wary of auto suggestion. If you are with a group of people and someone says can you smell X then at least some of the group are likely to say that they can, often followed by others agreeing. This is caused by the strong human sense of identifying with "the group", the so called tribal instinct. This can cause people to not want to appear different to the rest of the tribe. Unfortunately this is not helpful when investigating this phenomena. T

If you notice what you think is a paranormal smell try not to draw attention to it at the time, document it and then take people aside and ask did you smell anything in that room, but do it out of earshot from the rest of the team. If by doing this you get confirmation then you have some anecdotal evidence. If several people say the same thing then you have a much stronger case for the smells existence being of paranormal origin.

Paranormal smells as a general rule tend to be much more intense compared to normal every day smells and unlike normal smells they suddenly appear and equally suddenly disappear again. They are often witnessed by almost all of the people present and oddly can be clearly smelt by people who normally have a very poor sense of smell, I speak from experience.

The most commonly reported smells are Perfumes, Flowers, Cigar or Cigarette Smoke, Burning and disgustingly Blood, Sick, Unwashed Bodies and Rotting Flesh, Yuk.

Paranormal Smells are one of a number of phenomena that are sometimes described as being Poltergeistal Phenomena, in no way related to poltergeists.