In recent days, Florida residents have reported encountering a dense fog accompanied by a distinct chemical odor across various parts of the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued dense fog advisories near Jacksonville and Tallahassee, extending from Tuesday through Wednesday.
While fog is a common occurrence in this region, many locals have observed differences in its appearance and smell, leading to concerns about its true nature.
Beyond visibility issues, numerous residents have reported adverse health effects associated with the fog.
Common symptoms include coughing, sore throats, congestion, eye irritation, and fatigue. Some individuals have also noted unusual gut issues and a metallic taste when in close proximity to the fog.
These occurrences are reminiscent of a similar event last month, which also featured fog with a metallic odor.
Online discussions have given rise to theories about the fog resulting from chemical or biological agents. Comparisons have been drawn to historical events like Operation Sea-Spray, a 1950 U.S.
Navy experiment in which Serratia marcescens and Bacillus globigii bacteria were sprayed over the San Francisco Bay Area to determine the city’s vulnerability to a bioweapon attack.
This experiment led to at least one death and several illnesses.
Some suggest that the unusual smell could be due to pollutants already present in the environment that become more noticeable in humidity, and that the health issues reported might coincide with the effects of seasonal winter viruses, exaggerated by the presence of moisture-rich air.
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Experts note that fog, being close to the earth’s surface, can absorb pollutants and odors, which might explain the chemical smell.
Additionally, high moisture levels in the air can cause respiratory issues, potentially accounting for the reported symptoms.
The NWS has advised that fog conditions expected to reduce visibility to one nautical mile or less will continue off parts of Florida’s coast until Wednesday morning.
Residents are urged to exercise caution while driving and to limit exposure to the fog, especially if they experience any adverse health.
