An unusual fog with a strong chemical scent has blanketed parts of Florida, leaving residents questioning whether something more than weather is to blame. Along with reduced visibility, many have reported experiencing coughing, headaches, and a metallic taste in the air.
Dense fog advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) near Jacksonville and Tallahassee, warning of hazardous driving conditions. However, Floridians insist this fog is different, describing its density and odor as unnatural. Some have even speculated online that it may be carrying harmful contaminants.
Social media has been flooded with accounts from people claiming they became sick after encountering the fog. Symptoms reported include congestion, sore throats, and extreme fatigue. A Naples resident posted an image of thick gray fog covering a roadway, writing, “This isn’t fog, it’s chemicals in the air.”
Theories about the fog’s origin have spread, with some linking it to industrial emissions, while others have drawn comparisons to past government experiments involving airborne substances. Some meteorologists, however, argue that the smell could be the result of existing pollutants becoming more noticeable in the heavy humidity.
A Florida resident reported experiencing sneezing fits and swollen eyes shortly after spending time outside in the fog. Others have demanded state officials investigate, with calls for Florida’s leadership to address potential environmental concerns.
The NWS advisory states that visibility could remain dangerously low until at least Wednesday morning, with fog lingering along several coastal areas. Authorities have yet to issue any guidance regarding public health concerns.
