Loss of the sense of smell may cause serious problems, such as failing to smell smoke, a gas leak, or spoiled food. Also, loss of the sense of smell is often linked with a loss of the sense of taste. People who cannot taste could unintentionally eat spoiled food and not appreciate flavors, and lose much of the pleasure of eating.
I guess I'd like to see these "reports," particularly the ones from "some people."
The second paragraph sounds just like it was lifted from a government press release written by someone who copied his/her fifth grade science essay on "Why is the sense of smell important." The kid forgot to add that we need it to detect then stench of fascism that is in the air.
ML/NJ
Amen!