Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

What exactly are we smelling when we smell ‘fresh air’?

skiers in the Grampian mountains.
What does fresh air smell of? ... skiers in the Grampian mountains. Photograph: Murdo Macleod for the Guardian

Especially on a cold day, when you’re inside and someone comes in after a longish period outside, they smell pleasantly of “fresh air”. What actually is that smell?

Catherine Stornoway

Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.