Some people are attracted to the smell of gasoline, and there are two different explanations for this phenomenon from a scientific point of view.
In a report published by the Spanish newspaper, Elconfidencial, writer Oscar Rodriguez says that the smell of gasoline bothers many people, but others enjoy that smell when filling the car tank, even though it is a purely chemical substance.
Gasoline is extracted from petroleum by distillation, and is a chemical mixture consisting of several components;
Such as lubricants, de-icers, anti-rust, hydrocarbons - such as butane, pentane, isopentane, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene - and the main component of benzene is benzene.
Benzene is used to increase octane levels in gasoline, which improves engine performance and fuel efficiency, and its smell is the reason why some are attracted to the smell of gasoline.
Previous uses of benzene
Despite its rapid evaporation, benzene has a strong, distinctive odor.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, it was used in aftershave lotions and personal hygiene gels, to give them a pleasant aroma, and was used to remove caffeine from coffee.
Later, these uses were stopped after scientists discovered that benzol turns into a carcinogen if inhaled in high concentration.
two scientific explanations
According to Discover magazine, there are two scientific explanations for why some people like the smell of gasoline.
The first reason relates to the psychological aspect and the memories embedded in our minds from previous experiences, as the smell of gasoline generates an unconscious emotional response that stimulates the recovery of memories of the past.
As for the second reason, it is purely chemical, as benzene affects our bodies because it acts as a narcotic and depresses the nervous system, and thus causes a slight feeling of euphoria.