Sea air

Sea air has traditionally been thought to offer health benefits associated with its unique odor, which is caused by dimethyl sulfide, released by microbes.^[1]

Salts generally do not dissolve in air, but can be carried by sea spray in the form of particulate matter.

In the early 19th century, a lower prevalence of disease in coastal regions or islands was attributed to the sea air.^[2] Such medical beliefs were translated into the literature of Jane Austen and other authors.^[3] Victorians mistakenly attributed the odor of sea air to ozone.

Later that century, such beliefs led to the establishment of seaside resorts for the treatment of tuberculosis,^[4] with medical belief in its efficacy continuing into the 20th century.^[5] However, the quality of sea air was often degraded by pollution from wood- and coal-burning ships. Today those fuels are gone, replaced by high sulphur oil in diesel engines, which generate sulphate aerosols.^[6]

See also

• Sea spray