Today, I step into an elevator and I can smell the odor of cigarette smoke in there. Since this is California and all buildings are non-smoking by default, I know probably no one has smoked in that elevator recently. However, I can still smell the "smoke" in there. So obviously the smell came from a previous occupant of the elevator who has smoked. So here is my question: What exactly am I smelling when I smelled "smoke"? Is it some kind of particle (which is what real smoke is) that has fallen off of the smoker? How can so much particles have fallen off of the smoker such that I can detect it with my nose? Is smelling "smoke" the same as breathing second hand smoke (to a lesser degree)?

 

There is always a little residual smoke still in the lungs after a person smokes. So what you are smelling is probably what the person was still breathing out when he/she got in the elevator...

 

And just because there is a law saying you can't smoke indoors.. doesn't mean no one did.

 

http://science.howstuffworks.com/question139.htm

At the top of your nasal passages behind your nose, there is a patch of special neurons about the size of a postage stamp. These neurons are unique in that they are out in the open where they can come into contact with the air. They have hair-like projections called cilia that increase their surface area. An odor molecule binds to these cilia to trigger the neuron and cause you to perceive a smell.

 

Thanks for the link. Now that I am better educated about the sense of smell, I guess the question I should be asking is: How do people "give off" these smoke odor molecules? And are these molecules actually the same as smoke (the particles)?

 

Its called the olfactory system, why do I say that even though its posted in the link..... because its a funny word.

Really though, I am guessing you dont smoke, and as such you can pick up the smell of smoke easily.... Although if you had just quit smoking or were a heavy smoker and hadn't had a cig in a few hours you would be just as inclined to pick up the smallest amount because your body would be quite sensitive to that love you are missing (smoking).

But I digress.

 

exactly... i've accidentally brought a lit cig into an elevator..

 

when i used to smoke my fingers would smell like cigarette so i'm guessing the cigarette butt gives off some odor that also gives of that smell in your lips as well.

 

You are right about smoke being a particle (by definition). In addition to burnt residue, smoke particles also contain compounds that are volatile and will form vapor in air the same way perfume vaprorizes in air.

This doesn't mean the compounds you are breathing in are not dangerous, look at the vapors (known carcinogens) given off from gasoline - benzene, toluene, etc.

The small amount of the lingering odor is probably not enough to cause any harm. It is much worse to get the smoke particles in your lungs.

 

in lamen terms, the cigarette smoke scent gets stuck to your nose hair