Chinese trained as 'noses' to sniff out illegal pollution

China is about to unleash a new weapon in the battle against illegal polluters - humans trained to sniff out foul gases, according to Chinese media.

The southern city of Guangzhou will be patrolled by "professional noses" who will detect unlawful emissions from factories, the China Daily reported.

The "noses", a trade more often linked with the perfume industry, have been trained by environment experts.

Liu Jingcai, of the sniffing team, said the work was "quite unpleasant".

Mr Liu and his team expect to be issued certificates allowing them to officially start their careers as professional noses.

The China Daily said the certificates are valid for three years at a time, because human's sense of smell deteriorates with age.

They expect to target rubber factories, oil refineries and rubbish dumps.