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Published online 25 October 2006 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news061023-7
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A 'metallic' smell is just body odour
The pong from handling iron or copper comes from your own skin.
Why does metal smell? Chemists have found a surprising answer: it doesn't.
After you've grasped an iron railing, a door handle or a piece of steel cutlery, your hand often gives off what seems to be a metallic odour.
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