A heavy fog that "smells like chemicals" has been covering several parts of the United States lately, raising health concerns for people exposed to it. Reports have described sore throats and coughing, fatigue, and eye irritation among the exposed. But why does this fog smell so weird, and why are some people falling ill?

In this article, we will explore the science behind this phenomenon, how fog forms, and why it might sometimes carry chemical odors that linger in the air. By the end, we will also debunk some of the more speculative claims that have surfaced in the wake of this mysterious fog event.

The ‘Chemical Fog’ and Its Health Impacts

The fog has started trending on social media, with multiple users saying that it smells of fireworks, chemicals, or even sewage. David Bamber of St. Petersburg, Florida, shared a very popular TikTok video describing the sensation of walking through the fog and having the feeling of inhaling something toxic. Others reported developing respiratory conditions, including sore throats, coughs, and general fatigue, which they blamed directly on the fog. In fact, a Florida resident described how, following a short detour at a gas station, she started sneezing uncontrollably and became feverish, with stomach cramps as well. For some, this "sickness-fog" has become an urgent health issue.

As alarming as this is, the mist might not seem so evil. After all, there are scientifically established reasons about how fog functions with its surroundings, especially relating to pollutants, which could strengthen the odor it has.

Fog Formation and Its Chemical Absorption

This takes place when the water vapor present in the air condenses to become small water droplets and eventually form a low-lying cloud, making visibility hard to perceive. Such droplets will act as natural scavengers absorbing all airborne pollutants and particles. Moisture contained within the fog will amplify the concentration of pollutants such as chemicals and odors to make them much stronger and hence easily noticed.

According to Washington University atmospheric scientist Professor Rudolf Husar, chemicals trapped within the fog droplets "include sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, gases primarily produced by industrial activity, vehicle emissions, and, more rarely, natural fires. Those chemicals stay in the air a long time, especially because when they are trapped in these droplets, they become concentrated and kindle chemicals and odors in the surrounding environment.". This process is known as "scavenging," where fog droplets absorb gases and pollutants, allowing them to linger longer than they might in clearer air.

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

The reason why this fog smells so potently is that humidity increases the way smells move. When water molecules in the air combine with odor-causing molecules, they tend to last longer and thus become more pronounced to our noses. This explains why some people have reported that the fog smells like chemicals or even like sewage, depending on the surrounding environment's air quality.

What Role Does Atmospheric Conditions and Pollutants Play?

More than just an atmospheric visual appearance, fog could often trap most kinds of pollutants when the ground-adjacent layers are extremely cold, often experienced during the cold season. As it douses many inhabited spaces, pollution is able to cling with the fog through smokes emitted from vehicles, factory chemicals, among other things. When people inhale this "chemical fog," they may feel irritation in the respiratory system. It is particularly more sensitive to individuals with pre-existing conditions, like asthma, who have airways that are easily irritated by a change in air quality.

In addition, air pollution generally causes a variety of health issues, from simple coughing and congestion to severe respiratory problems. The moisture of the fog increases these effects, introducing more water into the lungs and causing irritation. This is why some people may feel shortness of breath, chest pain, or even experience wheezing when exposed to dense, polluted fog.

Fogs often occur where, for instance, Florida regions do, following a specific set of weather, often temperature inversion. In cases of temperature inversions, there will be cooler air trapped very close to Earth by warmer air over it so that pollutants from whatever source have less space to dispel into the atmosphere. That accumulated pollutant within the fog contributes to having that chemical even more pungent.

Besides pollution, local moisture sources heavily influence fog. For example, areas next to large bodies of water like the San Francisco Bay often see thick fog in summer months as the water chills the surrounding air. However, in some areas, fog can form where moisture from the ground is evaporating into the air, condensing, and forming thick fog near the surface. Moisture, once condensed, can absorb pollutants and enhance existing odors.

Is There a Conspiracy Behind the Fog?

As the fog event has continued, some people have begun to speculate that there might be a more sinister or secretive explanation for the phenomenon. Conspiracy theories have been circulated, suggesting that the fog could be the result of a chemical weapon or even a government experiment. Such claims have largely been fueled by comparisons to Operation Sea Spray, a controversial U.S. The Navy biological warfare experiment in the 1950s where bacteria were released in the San Francisco Bay area to test the city's vulnerability to biowarfare.

Also Read: When Fear Clouds Judgment- The Psychology Behind The Mysterious Fog Over US And Canada

Even if the thought of a planned chemical fog, produced by humans, is quite threatening, science cannot prove such an idea. In fact, according to experts, the cause for the fog may simply be a part of the regular weather, in combination with higher concentrations of pollutants from human sources. Chemicals in the air, specifically sulfur and nitrogen compounds, are nothing but by-products of industrial pollution, not some sort of deliberate attack.

Why Does Fog Smell Like Chemicals?

In summary, the chemical-like odor produced by fog is a result of various environmental and atmospheric conditions. Due to fog's natural collecting characteristic, pollutants are trapped inside the fog droplets, which are very small in size. Thus, these pollutants include sulfur and nitrogen oxides, which are usually derived from vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and even wildfire cases. The moisture in the fog makes these odors more observable and potent.

Fog is not dangerous in itself, but the pollutants it captures can cause irritation to the respiratory system, especially for people who have pre-existing health conditions. Knowing how fog forms and how it interacts with its surroundings will help us prepare better for the effects of fog and address health concerns that may be triggered.

Even if this recent bout of fog caused concern, there's scientific logic for why this situation is not to be worried about. Nonetheless, being cognizant and knowing the quality of air is also a form of mitigation from this thick chemical smell fog that affects health.

Showering every day has been a matter of discussion. But you will always find someone who has gone a day or two without a shower. While it is generally not considered unhygienic, dermatologists have now raised concerns about this habit.

There are always red flags which are sent by your skin if you miss bathing. Some of you may experience scaly patches or discoloured parts. It may even start to look dirty because of hyperpigmented spots. It's not dirt, though. If you reach that point, you might want to see a dermatologist right away, who can determine if you have dermatitis neglecta.

Understanding This Condition

Why Does It Happen?

The answer lies in how your skin sheds. Every few weeks, all dead cells are removed. Cells slough off. Showering helps this process along, even if you don't use an exfoliant. Therefore, when you aren't showering, those cells are likely to remain on the upper layer of your skin or epidermis. If left for days, it will naturally combine with all the bacteria, sweat, oils, and grime your skin encounters. And a layer of tough buildup will begin to appear.

How Long Can It Take For A Person To Get Dermatitis Neglecta?

Dermatitis neglecta does not happen overnight or even in a couple of weeks. A 2015 study in the Journal of Dermatology explored three cases. In one of the cases, the affected individual had not cleaned a part of her body for no less than three to four months. (As a side note, the woman had gone through surgery and was worried about causing an infection in the area, which is why she stopped washing it.) Fortunately, the skin treatment for dermatitis neglecta is fairly simple. Most people can resolve skin issues that are related to dermatitis neglecta with regular cleaning and, in stubborn or severe cases, alcohol-based wipe-downs or administration of topical agents.

There are many conditions that can affect a woman’s reproductive health. Certain medications or conditions that need hysterectomy can cause early menopause in women. There are many likely reasons why this happens. According to Office on Women’s Health (OASH) family history, smoking, chemotherapy or pelvic radiation or autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, could be some of the reasons why some women go through early menopause.

However, a new study shows that endometriosis could also be a reason for early menopause in women. The study published in the Human Reproduction journal found that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause, which involves the removal of both ovaries, compared to women without the condition. Furthermore, they are twice as likely to have this surgical procedure before the age of 40.

Women with endometriosis face a greater risk of experiencing natural menopause earlier than others. They are 1.4 times more likely to enter natural menopause before the age of 40, a stage defined as premature menopause. These women also have an elevated risk of early menopause, occurring between the ages of 40 and 44.

What Is Endometriosis?

It is a persistent condition affecting approximately one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. According to the NHS, it involves tissue similar to the womb lining appearing in other parts of the body. Previous research has shown a significant delay of nearly nine years in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, potentially leading to missed treatment opportunities and irreversible organ damage due to the continued growth of this misplaced tissue.

According to the World Health Organization, 190 million women throughout the globe have endometriosis, which is roughly 10% of people. Not only does it cause pain during periods, issues in bowel movements, urination etc., but also causes bloating nausea, fatigue and mental health issues like depression, anxiety and infertility.

What Does Early Menopause Mean For Women?

It's crucial for women with endometriosis to be aware not only of the wide range of debilitating menopause symptoms they might experience earlier in life but also of the broader health risks associated with premature menopause, whether it occurs naturally or is surgically induced. These risks include cardiovascular disease and premature death.

Researchers from the study stressed the importance of understanding the causes of early or medically induced menopause to implement proactive measures for managing the associated long-term health risks.

OASH explains that women who experience menopause early may face similar symptoms and health issues as those going through regular menopause. However, some women with early or premature menopause might also have a greater chance of developing serious health problems like heart disease and weak bones (osteoporosis) because they'll live for a longer time without the protective benefits of higher estrogen levels.

They might also have more intense menopause symptoms, and there are treatments available to help manage these if they interfere with daily life. Additionally, some women may feel sad or depressed about losing their fertility early or the changes in their bodies. If these feelings, like low energy or loss of interest in enjoyable activities, last for more than a few weeks, speaking to a doctor is recommended.

Have you ever noticed both magnesium and manganese written on the food labels and wondered if they were the same thing? If yes, then you're not alone. Their similar names confuse many but these two essential minerals serve very different roles in the body, and mixing them up could lead to nutritional imbalances or even toxicity.

So What Differentiates Magnesium From Manganese?

The first key difference lies in how much of each your body needs. Magnesium is considered a macromineral, which implies that it is required in relatively large quantities—around 420 milligrams per day for adults. In contrast, manganese is a micromineral or trace mineral, with the recommended daily intake being just 2.3 milligrams. This stark contrast makes accurate dosing crucial, particularly when supplements are involved.

Overconsumption of this mineral can lead to toxicity or other health conditions. Magnesium plays a foundational role in over 300 enzyme systems in the body. These enzymes are involved in vital processes such as protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure control. It is also essential for the formation of DNA, RNA, and glutathione, as well as for energy production and maintaining heart rhythm through the proper movement of potassium and calcium across cell membranes. Essentially, magnesium is deeply involved in nearly every system in the body.

How To Get These Nutrients?

To ensure you're getting enough magnesium, aim for a diet rich in fibre. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources. Even certain types of water—like mineral or tap water—can contribute to your magnesium intake.

Manganese, though needed in much smaller amounts, is no less important. This trace mineral supports several key functions, acting as a cofactor for enzymes like manganese superoxide dismutase, arginase, and pyruvate carboxylase. It plays a role in metabolising amino acids, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and glucose. Additionally, manganese is involved in bone formation, immune responses, and reproductive health. Notably, it also helps with blood clotting when working in tandem with vitamin K.

Word Of Caution: Some Food Inhibit Manganese Absorption

While both minerals are vital, they are not interchangeable. Taking the wrong supplement or misjudging your dietary needs may mean missing out on the specific health benefits each mineral provides—or worse, consuming a toxic dose.

As with most nutrients, it is best to meet your mineral needs through a varied and balanced diet. Supplements can help in cases of deficiency, but should be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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