Floridians Alarmed By Fog With Chemical Smell As Officials Offer Few Answers

A thick fog with a strong chemical odor has been reported across parts of Florida, leaving residents with health concerns and little explanation from authorities. While fog is common in the state, many say this particular event looks and smells different from usual seasonal conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dense fog advisories near Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and other coastal areas, but residents insist this fog is unlike what they have experienced before. Reports of health effects, including coughing, congestion, fatigue, and stomach discomfort, have been widespread.

Many Floridians have taken to social media, questioning whether the fog contains harmful substances. Some have drawn comparisons to past military tests, such as Operation Sea Spray, which exposed civilians to airborne bacteria in the 1950s. Others suggest that pollutants already in the environment may be interacting with the moisture in the air, making them more concentrated.

One resident described stopping for gas and experiencing severe sneezing fits, fever-like symptoms, and stomach cramps shortly afterward. Another claimed that their entire neighborhood had fallen ill after the fog rolled through. Many are demanding answers from state and local officials.

Experts say that fog can trap airborne pollutants, intensifying their presence in the air and making their smells more noticeable. They also point out that fog can worsen respiratory symptoms, particularly for those with asthma or other conditions. However, these explanations have done little to ease public concerns.

With fog expected to continue impacting visibility along Florida’s coast until Wednesday, many residents remain on edge, waiting for further clarification on whether the fog poses any real health risks. Authorities have yet to issue any official health warnings.