Why do you smell food cooking when no one is cooking?

- Your sense of smell can be fooled by various factors unrelated to actual cooking. This is known as phantom olfactory perception or olfactory hallucinations.

Air Circulation and Residual Odors:

- Cooking fumes can linger in the air and spread throughout the house, even after cooking is done. Good ventilation usually resolves this.

Cross-Contamination of Odors:

- Shared ventilation systems or porous materials can sometimes transfer cooking odors from neighboring apartments or houses to your own space.

Changes in Environment:

- Meteorological changes or shifts in air currents can transport odors from distant locations, creating the impression that food is cooking nearby.

Memory and Association:

- Your brain associates certain scents with specific memories, including cooking. If you're particularly sensitive to a certain food aroma, your brain might perceive it more intensely, even if there's no source.

Medical Conditions:

- Rarely, certain medical conditions, neurological disorders, or side effects of medications can cause phantom smells. If in doubt, consult a doctor.

Gas Leak Concerns:

- While the smell of food cooking is usually harmless, it's important to rule out the possibility of a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak, ventilate the area immediately and call the authorities.