Whenever someone comes back from a walk outside on a crisp day, they have an odor that’s distinctive of outside. My nose is not the best, but I’d say somewhat metallic. What is causing that smell?
In: Chemistry
Apparently everyone smells “outside” a little differently. Metallic is a common descriptor. (https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/environment/3255625/science-behind-outdoor-smells-ben-dolphin-opinion/)Scents definitely linger and spread depending on the temperature/weather conditions. That’s why fall smells kinda burnt. There are also the sweat smells of an individual from exerting themselves in an un-climate-controlled environment.
When you’re outside you walk through substances containing odors of all kinds. Allergens, pollen, car exhaust, dust, humidity, Sea breeze, smoke, chemical fumes, floral scents, so on and so forth. All those substances get trapped in your clothes containing trace amounts of odor forming the outside smell which is particular to your location in the world. As well as how sensitive your nose is.
I live in Montana and I’ve always noticed this smell on people in the fall and winter. Its a mix of metallic/wet dog for me. I am curious to know what it is too!
I know exactly what you’re talking about and have asked about it before to no avail. It’s especially pungent when it’s windy outside and someone comes in. I’ve experienced this everywhere I’ve ever lived, so it isn’t a climate thing.
There is a term, “petrichor”, for the smell that comes after rain. It comes from moisture interacting with various plant oils and other things. I assume generic “outside smell” is similar.
It’s such an off-putting odor. Laundry dried out under the sun smells so bad. I cannot stand it. Yet, it seems no one else can smell it.
My husband always teases me when I tell him he smells like the wind after he comes in from outdoors. It’s like the way clothes smell after drying on the clothesline. I love it.
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