I always get people telling me to look up at the light to sneeze, which I know is a phenomenon but I never hear anyone talk about mint.
Something about fresh air just tickles my nose and makes me sneeze. It’s especially great when I have a mouthful of minty toothpaste.
Or perhaps I’m just allergic to going outside.
That wouldn’t explain the mint for me though.
I can’t say for certain, but I doubt particulates are the issue. Or I would be sneezing every time I walk close to a road.