Mysterious Fog in the US , Canada and UK: A dense, eerie fog with a "burning chemical-like smell" has spooked a good part of North America and parts of the United Kingdom and Canada. With social media amplifying all concerns, this phenomenon has sparked attention across all social media platforms. However, at the heart of this mysterious fog are a conjunction of natural events, social psychology, and environmental conditions that culminated in all the conspiracy theories and public health fears. Here's a closer look at the mysterious fog, its potential causes, and the societal response it has triggered.

Fog that Feeds Fear

The first reports of this "mysterious fog" came in from Florida where a resident said that they experienced respiratory symptoms, feverish warmth, and stomach cramps after contact with the fog. Similar stories started flooding social media, and within a day or two, a sinister force seemed to sweep across the United States, Canada, and parts of the UK. From Texas to Minnesota, people reported weird odors and health issues that they thought were linked to this bizarre atmospheric event.

Some witnesses were said to see "white particles" swirling through the air; theories ranged from a chemical attack or experimental weapon to drone-related chemical dispersals and references to historical military experiments, such as the infamous 1950s "Operation Sea-Spray."

Fuel to the fire were added when videos and posts, hundreds of thousands in number, began circulating on social media sites like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) speculating on the origin of the fog. Hashtags like #ToxicFog went trending for days. Hysteria created a self-reinforcing loop in which every post spurred further scrutiny and fear.

Scientific Explanation of the Dense Mysterious Fog

1. What is Fog?

Fog is essentially a low-lying cloud formed when the air temperature cools to its dew point, causing water vapor to condense into tiny droplets or ice crystals. Several types of fog—advection fog, radiation fog, and valley fog—can form depending on conditions such as warm, moist air moving over cooler land or when temperatures plummet rapidly under clear skies.

2. Why the Chemical Smell?

Such chemical-like smell as reported during the occurrence of fog events is sometimes attributed to air pollution. It acts like a sponge, where it absorbs these pollutants, which include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, among others, that emit from industries. This mixture, therefore, leads to a stench that could be mistaken as unnatural or even toxic.

Also Read: Health Concerns Rise As US, Canada, and UK Come Under The Blanket Of Thick, Dense, Toxic Fog

3. What are the Health Concerns?

High moisture levels from fog can significantly exacerbate symptoms related to respiration, but especially in already predisposed asthmatics and allergy patients. The connection of these symptoms with actual fever, stomach cramps, and puffy eyes is too remote. Experts assume that the irritating effects of entrapped pollutants trapped in fog tend to affect more the eyes and throat rather than the rest of the body affected by some report.

Psychological Effects of Mass Panic Caused by Social Media

Social media amplified a natural weather event into a health epidemic. It made the personal experience of individuals become a cause for fear and speculation, a domino effect.

According to psychologists, this is a concept of selective perception, wherein once people's attention is drawn to environmental anomalies, they begin to notice them. This mirrors earlier panics, such as the Seattle windshield pitting panic of 1954. Then, atomic bomb testing caused fear in many and started to have people looking at their windshields for small marks that they had not seen before. Likewise, postings on the strangeness of the fog probably increased public awareness and suspicion, with people looking to attach unrelated symptoms to the phenomenon.

The fog hysteria shares a commonality with other instances of mass panic, such as the "drone sightings" of recent years or the Cold War-era fears of biological warfare.

Also Read: Mysterious Fog Is Making Americans Sick

These events underscore how fear can cloud judgment, especially when amplified by social media and sensationalist headlines. While historical cases, such as "Operation Sea-Spray," offer concrete evidence of the existence of unethical experiments, the jump from a natural weather condition to theories of chemical attacks exemplifies a more modern trend of connecting unrelated dots, all wonderfully seeded in distrust and anxiety.

Despite the swirling rumors, meteorologists and scientists are in agreement that the mysterious fog is not as alarming as it seems. It is well known that fog traps and amplifies pollutants, especially in urban and industrial regions. Moreover, winter months are the most conducive for fog formation, so its recent prevalence is unsurprising.

On the other hand, environmentalists advise that the fog should wake everyone up to increased levels of pollution. The reported odors and health irritations could be just symptoms of far deeper systemic issues like industrial emissions and lack of control over air quality.

The authorities must be transparent in their communication to combat misinformation and allay public fears. Governments and environmental agencies must provide timely updates on weather phenomena, air quality, and health risks. Initiatives like real-time pollutant tracking and public education campaigns can help demystify natural occurrences while addressing valid environmental concerns.

The mysterious Canada fog is a compelling case study in how environmental events intersect with psychology and societal dynamics. While rooted in natural phenomena, the fog became a vessel for collective fears, amplified by modern technology and historical anxieties.

In this information era where communication occurs at an almost lightning pace, the fog becomes a metaphor that reminds everyone about scientific literacy, environmental responsibility, and an effective balance when considering public concern. Whether perceived as a marvel of nature or as a tale that serves to teach, it left a very powerful mark in people's minds.

Tineke “Tini” Younger shared some devastating news on Wednesday, November 26. The 24-year-old TikTok chef and Next Level Chef alum revealed that one of her twin daughters with husband Antoine Wright Jr. had tragically passed away.

Tini Younger Announces Loss Of Her Baby Girl

Younger said that their daughter Arya, known as Baby A, died just before reaching 36 weeks of pregnancy. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote, "This isn’t the post I ever imagined I would share once the twins arrived. Unfortunately, earlier this week we lost our sweet girl Arya." She explained that despite being so close to full term, she experienced a placental abruption that caused the loss of her baby.

The surviving twin was born safely and is reportedly breathing independently, according to Younger. She has not shared the name of the second daughter.

What Is Placental Abruption?

Placental abruption, medically referred to as abruptio placentae, is an uncommon yet serious complication during pregnancy. The placenta develops inside the uterus and attaches to its wall, providing essential oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby.

Placental abruption happens when the placenta partially or fully detaches from the uterine wall before delivery. This separation can restrict or completely cut off the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients while also causing significant bleeding in the mother. According to the Mayo Clinic, the placenta is an organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy. When placental abruption occurs, the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before birth, which can deprive the baby of vital oxygen and nutrients and lead to heavy maternal bleeding. In some situations, early delivery may be required to protect both mother and child.

Placental abruption often appears suddenly, and if it is not treated promptly, it can pose serious risks to both the mother and the baby.

Symptoms Of Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is most likely to develop in the last trimester of pregnancy, particularly in the final few weeks before delivery. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Vaginal bleeding, though sometimes there may be none
• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Uterine tenderness or rigidity
• Uterine contractions, often coming one immediately after another

Abdominal and back pain often start suddenly. The amount of vaginal bleeding can vary widely and does not necessarily reflect how much of the placenta has detached from the uterus. Blood may become trapped inside the uterus, so even in severe cases of placental abruption, there might not be any visible bleeding.

In some instances, placental abruption develops gradually, referred to as chronic abruption. This may cause light, intermittent vaginal bleeding. Babies might grow more slowly than expected, and there could be other complications, such as low amniotic fluid or additional issues affecting fetal development.

What Causes Placental Abruption?

The precise cause of placental abruption is often unknown. Healthcare professionals can, however, identify certain factors that increase the risk. For example, abdominal trauma, including falls or accidents, can raise the chances of experiencing a placental abruption.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is strongly recommended to seek medical care immediately to ensure both your safety and your baby’s.

Brazilian authorities on Wednesday approved the world’s first single-dose dengue vaccine, describing it as a “historic” step amid a global surge in cases fueled by rising temperatures. Dengue, which causes severe flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue, and body aches, hit record global levels in 2024, with scientists linking its rapid spread to climate change. Brazil’s health regulatory body ANVISA cleared the use of Butantan-DV, created by the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, for individuals aged 12 to 59.

Until now, the only dengue vaccine available globally was TAK-003, which requires two doses spaced three months apart, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Here’s everything currently known about this single-dose vaccine.

Also Read: GRAP 3 Restrictions Revoked In Delhi-NCR: What Residents Can Use Again And What Stays Restricted

Dengue Single Dose Vaccine Approved In Brazil

On Wednesday, November 26, Anvisa approved the world’s first single-dose dengue vaccine. The announcement followed the signing of a term considered the final step in registering the vaccine, produced entirely at a national laboratory, during a press conference, as reported by CNN Brazil. The development of Butantan-DV is the result of collaboration between Brazil’s Ministry of Health, the Butantan Institute, and the Chinese lab Wu Xi.

Butantan-DV: All You Need To Know About The Single Dose Dengue Vaccine

Anvisa stated that the new vaccine uses live attenuated virus technology and is currently approved for people aged 12 to 59—a range that could expand if new studies support it. The Ministry of Health will determine the official vaccination start date and the target age group. The registration request for the vaccine was submitted by the Butantan Institute in January 2025. Anvisa fast-tracked its evaluation, forming a technical panel that included external experts to review the process.

What Is A Live Attenuated Virus?

A live attenuated virus is a weakened form of a virus used in vaccines to trigger a strong and lasting immune response without causing the full-blown disease. These viruses are developed in a lab, often through repeated culturing, so they can replicate in the body but only in a limited way. By closely mimicking a natural infection, they prompt the immune system to respond similarly to how it would during a real infection, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Also Read: CDC To Appoint Vaccine-Skeptic Surgeon Ralph Abraham As Deputy Director

How Effective Is This Single Dose Dengue Vaccine?

CNN Brazil reported that the Ministry of Health found the vaccine to have an overall efficacy of 74.7% against symptomatic dengue for people aged 12 to 59. This means that nearly three out of four people were protected from the disease. Protection was similar for those who had previously had dengue and those who were never exposed to the virus.

In 2024, over 14 million dengue cases were reported globally, marking a record year, according to ScienceDirect and WHO. The death toll reached more than 9,500. While the Americas reported the highest number of cases, dengue continues to affect more than 100 countries worldwide.

Dengue, often called “breakbone fever” because of its intense symptoms, can in severe cases lead to hemorrhagic fever and even death. The disease spreads through infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are now appearing in areas beyond their traditional habitats, resulting in dengue cases in parts of Europe and the United States where it was previously uncommon.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday lifted the Stage 3 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi NCR after the region saw a steady improvement in air quality over the past three days. Delhi’s 24 hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 327, and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate that the air is expected to stay in the very poor range.

Even with this slight relief, the Commission noted that measures under Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the revised GRAP, notified on November 21, will remain active. These curbs will be tracked closely across the National Capital Region to prevent pollution levels from rising again.

Also Read: Mounjaro Users Face Higher Weight And Diabetes Risk After Halting Injections, Study Says

GRAP 3 Restrictions Revoked in Delhi NCR: What Restrictions Are Lifted?

With Stage 3 now withdrawn, the rule that required offices to operate with half their staff working from home has ended, and schools are no longer expected to follow hybrid classes. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed this in a post on X.

Previously, the Delhi government had instructed its departments and private workplaces to keep only 50 per cent of employees on site while the rest worked remotely.

Here is what continues under GRAP I and GRAP II.

Also Read: CDC To Appoint Vaccine-Skeptic Surgeon Ralph Abraham As Deputy Director

Restrictions under GRAP I

GRAP Stage 1 calls for the following steps in Delhi:

• Strict checks on vehicles that pollute, smoother traffic flow, and emission controls in units such as industries, power plants and brick kilns.
• A ban on open waste burning, limits on the use of diesel generators, and a stop on using coal or firewood in eateries.
• Public transport stays fully operational, with people encouraged to choose it over personal vehicles.

GRAP Stage II involves the use of mechanised road sweepers, anti smog guns, and daily water sprinkling to reduce dust and particulate matter.

Restrictions under GRAP II

These are the curbs under GRAP Stage 2:

• Ban on coal and firewood use in Delhi.
• Diesel generators cannot be used unless needed for essential or emergency services.
• Construction and demolition sites and industrial units facing specific closure orders are not allowed to restart activity.

GRAP 3 Curbs Lifted But AQI Remains In Very Poor Category

Air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas stayed at troubling levels on Wednesday. The morning AQI was 371, which falls in the very poor category. This was an improvement from 420 at the same time on Tuesday, according to readings from the air quality platform aqi.in.

During winter, Delhi NCR enforces GRAP-based restrictions depending on the air quality level. The plan divides pollution levels into four stages. Stage 1 is Poor with an AQI of 201 to 300. Stage 2 is Very Poor with an AQI of 301 to 400. Stage 3 is Severe with an AQI of 401 to 450. Stage 4 is Severe Plus with an AQI above 450. Cold conditions, along with emissions from vehicles, stubble burning, firecrackers, and other local sources, often push the region into unhealthy air quality during this season.