A thick fog with an unfamiliar chemical-like smell has appeared in parts of Florida, causing health concerns among residents who say they are experiencing unusual symptoms. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dense fog advisories, but locals insist this fog is different from what they normally encounter.
Floridians in areas near Jacksonville and Tallahassee have reported health issues after being exposed to the fog. Complaints range from sore throats and coughing to nausea and dizziness. Some residents have even described a metallic taste in the air, echoing similar reports from a month ago when a comparable fog was observed.
Social media has been filled with speculation, with some users questioning whether industrial pollution is to blame, while others have suggested the possibility of intentional chemical dispersal. Some have compared the event to Operation Sea Spray, a Cold War-era military experiment in which bacteria were released into the air to study how they would spread.
One local described stopping at a gas station for only a few minutes before developing flu-like symptoms. “I started sneezing nonstop, and my eyes were burning,” she said. Other Floridians have reported similar reactions, with many calling for an official investigation.
Meteorologists note that Florida often experiences fog this time of year, and some experts suggest that airborne pollutants already present in the environment may be becoming more concentrated due to humidity. Despite these explanations, reports of illness continue to circulate.
The NWS has extended its advisory, stating that low-visibility conditions will persist along parts of Florida’s coastline through Wednesday morning. Officials have not yet addressed concerns regarding potential health effects from the fog.
