👉 The "eagles fumes" refer to the strong, often unpleasant odor that can emanate from the air conditioning units or ventilation systems of the Washington Dulles International Airport's Terminal 3, nicknamed the "eagle nest." This smell is primarily caused by the refrigerants used in these systems, which can degrade over time and release chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These chemicals have a distinctive, pungent, and sometimes acrid odor that can linger in the air, especially after heavy use or when the system is not properly maintained. The fumes are particularly noticeable during hot summer months when the air conditioning is most heavily used, making the airport's terminals less pleasant to breathe in.
