A dense fog with an unusual chemical-like smell has appeared in parts of Florida, prompting health concerns from residents who say they are experiencing troubling symptoms. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dense fog advisories near Jacksonville and Tallahassee, but many say this is unlike the usual seasonal mist.
Locals have reported symptoms such as sore throats, coughing, congestion, and even nausea after being exposed to the fog. Some have also mentioned a metallic taste in the air, an observation that was also made during a similar event last month.
Online discussions have fueled speculation about the cause, with theories ranging from airborne pollutants to undisclosed government experiments. Some Floridians have drawn comparisons to Operation Sea Spray, a Cold War-era experiment in which bacteria were released into the air to study its effects. Others believe industrial pollution, made more noticeable by the humid conditions, could be to blame.
One resident reported stopping for gas and quickly developing flu-like symptoms. “Within an hour, I was sneezing uncontrollably, and my stomach started cramping,” she said. Many others have shared similar accounts, with some expressing frustration over the lack of official explanation.
Experts say that fog during this time of year is common and that pollutants already in the air could become more concentrated in the heavy moisture, making their odors stronger. Despite these explanations, concerns persist as reports of illness continue.
The NWS warns that low-visibility conditions along Florida’s coast will last until at least Wednesday morning. State officials have yet to address the public’s growing concerns over potential health risks.
