👉 Pee fumes, also known as urine odor or ammonia smell, occur due to the breakdown of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in urine by bacteria in the urinary tract. This process releases compounds like ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and thiols, which have a strong, unpleasant odor. The combination of these chemicals creates a pungent smell that can be noticeable even when the source is not directly visible, hence the term "pee fumes." Factors like diet, hydration levels, and underlying health conditions can influence the intensity of this odor.