Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK Rust is another name for iron oxide. It occurs when iron is oxidised by being exposed to oxygen in the presence of moisture. Although not obvious in dry air, rust's odour can be detected in damp conditions, when oxidisation is most likely to occur. Rust's odour is carried in airborne water droplets, and this is how it is transmitted to our senses. Human blood, which also contains water and iron, has a smell similar to rust.
展开▼
