BrainStuff Season 6 Episode 12 Why Does Money Have That Distinct Smell?

Why Does Money Have That Distinct Smell?

In this episode of BrainStuff, we dive deep into the fascinating world of currency and explore a truly curious phenomenon that many of us have probably noticed but never quite understood: why does money have that distinct smell?

We start off by examining the history of paper money and how it came to be used as a means of exchange. From ancient China to medieval Europe, different cultures have devised their own currencies over time, but it wasn't until the 17th century that paper money as we know it emerged. We learn about the various materials used to make paper money throughout history, from animal hides and linen to the cotton-linen blend that is popular today.

Next, we shift our focus to the unique scent of money. Many people describe the smell as "musty," "earthy," or even "sweaty." It's not the most pleasant of scents, but it's one that many of us have become accustomed to over time. But where does this smell come from?

We learn that the primary source of the smell is the paper itself. Paper is made from wood pulp, which contains lignin - a complex organic compound that gives the paper its distinctive odor. Over time, the lignin in the paper breaks down and releases a gas called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are responsible for that musky smell. Interestingly, the smell of money changes depending on the denomination - higher-value bills tend to have a stronger odor due to the higher concentration of VOCs.

But that's not the only factor that contributes to the smell of money. We also explore the role of bacteria in creating that distinct scent. It turns out that bills can carry a lot of bacteria, including those that produce the smell of dirty socks or vinegar. In fact, a study conducted by researchers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base found that the smell of money is mostly due to microbial volatile organic compounds - compounds produced by bacteria that decompose organic matter.

So why does money smell the way it does? It's a combination of factors - the materials used to make the paper, the breakdown of lignin and the subsequent release of VOCs, and the presence of bacteria that produce their own distinct smells.

We also address the question of whether money can actually make you sick. While it's true that bacteria can thrive on bills, the likelihood of getting sick from handling money is relatively low. Most bacteria and viruses cannot survive for long on the surface of paper money, and proper hand hygiene can go a long way in reducing the risk of infection.

Finally, we end the episode by exploring some of the myths and legends surrounding money and its unique scent. Some people believe that dogs can be trained to sniff out large quantities of money based on its distinct odor, while others think that certain scents can help attract money or bring good luck. While the science behind these claims is debatable, there's no denying that the smell of money is one of its most intriguing characteristics.

Overall, this episode of BrainStuff offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of currency and the curious phenomenon of the smell of money. Whether you're a banker, a collector, or just a curious observer, there's something to learn from this exploration of an everyday object that we often take for granted.