The phenomenon of perceiving the scent of nail polish remover in the absence of any nearby source of the chemical is a type of phantosmia, an olfactory hallucination. This involves sensing an odor that is not actually present in the environment. An individual might, for instance, report a distinct acetone-like smell associated with nail polish remover, even when no such product is being used or stored in the vicinity.
Such phantom smells can have a range of causes, from relatively benign issues like sinus infections or migraines to more serious underlying neurological conditions. While the experience can be unsettling, understanding potential causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and management. Historically, unexplained olfactory hallucinations were often dismissed; however, modern medical understanding recognizes them as potentially indicative of important physiological processes.