the addiction of toxic asphalt fumes: dopamine

 I'm still working on our HOA 1/2 mile road with 20 driveways and a few parking lots and turn around. People really love the new asphalt smell and it makes me dizzy and lightheaded after an hour or so of pushing the asphalt sealer with the squeegee - the effects last. I'm taking a week break vacation so I will recover! hahaha. Why are people loving the new asphalt so much? AI tells us:

Aromatics in Oil: Asphalt is essentially a semi-solid form of petroleum. When heated or hit by summer solar radiation, compounds like ethylbenzene, benzene, and toluene evaporate, giving off a strong, sweetish fuel scent. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The Dopamine Hit: Chemically, inhaling these hydrocarbons temporarily suppresses your central nervous system. When this happens, your brain's reward pathway triggers a small release of dopamine (the "feel-good" chemical), providing an experience many people subconsciously crave. [1, 2, 3]

Nostalgia: Psychologists point out that people strongly associate these smells with happy childhood memories, such as summer road trips, riding in motorboats, or spending time in the garage