Unidentified smell alarms residents in Helsinki & St. Petersburg, prompting investigations. No health risks detected yet. (AP)


April 02, 2024

A strange odor reminiscent of sulfur or burnt rubber has wafted through the air in both Helsinki and St. Petersburg, drawing attention and concern from residents in the region.

Reports emerged on Sunday indicating that the pungent smell had permeated an area spanning approximately 37 miles along the southern coast of Finland, according to information provided by Helsinki’s rescue department, as cited by Reuters.

Authorities in Helsinki, along with other relevant agencies, are actively investigating the source of the odor. Despite its intensity, there is presently no immediate indication that the smell poses a threat to public health.

Meanwhile, across the border in St. Petersburg, residents in various neighborhoods also noticed a similar unpleasant odor, likening it to the scent of garbage and gas. Russian news outlet Fontanka noted that monitoring stations had not detected any air pollution levels exceeding the permitted thresholds.

Descriptions from residents painted a vivid picture of the discomfort caused by the mysterious smell. Dasha Nukolova, a Russian citizen, described waking up to the odor resembling a blend of garbage, burnt rubber, and something burning. Others, like Masha Artamonova, reported experiencing headaches and difficulty breathing due to the smell, further adding to the community's concerns.

As both cities grapple with the pervasive odor, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to identify its origin and any potential risks associated with it.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Gladiator’s Skeleton In York Shows Evidence Of Lion Combat

A fascinating discovery in York, England, has given researchers new insights into ancient Roman combat. Archaeologists have found a skeleton....

White House Reports Success At Canada-U.S. Border Amid Tariffs

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the successes at the Canada-U.S. border during a briefing on Tuesday. She mentioned....

Record 7.3 Million Canadians Cast Votes In Advance Polls: Elections Canada

A new record was set in Canada as 7.3 million people cast their votes during the advance polls, according to....

Scientists discover rare signs of Earth's layers peeling beneath Sierra Nevada

Seismologist Deborah Kilb made an exciting discovery while analyzing earthquake data from California. While reviewing the past four decades of....

Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Funding Freeze

Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, aiming to stop a freeze on over $2.2 billion....

Canada’s Election Focus Shifts From Climate To Energy Plans

As Canada gets ready to vote on April 28, concerns about climate change have taken a back seat. This time,....

Canada’s Election Heats Up As Liberals Hold Narrow Lead

Canada’s federal election is entering its final week, and the race is now neck and neck. A new poll shows....

Trump May Cut Another $1 billion From Harvard Over Policy Dispute

The Trump administration plans to remove another $1 billion in federal funding from Harvard University. This decision comes as tensions....

Oldest American Astronaut Don Pettit Returns To Earth On 70th Birthday

Don Pettit, America’s oldest active astronaut, landed safely back on Earth on his 70th birthday. He traveled in a space....

Advance Voting Grows As Poilievre Slams Carney For Inflation

Canadians kept showing up at advance polls on Sunday, making the most of early voting. While people lined up to....

Record Turnout Across Canada At Advance Polls As Voters Flock To Cast Ballots Early

Advance voting in Canada’s 2025 federal election has reached historic levels. On Good Friday alone, over 2 million people cast....

Trump Says Tariffs Boost U.S. Wealth, Promises Trade Talks

President Donald Trump made it clear this week that he isn’t stepping away from his global tariff strategy. Despite growing....