The fog, which was first widely discussed on December 29, has been associated with various ailments, including flu-like symptoms, breathing difficulties, and irritation.

The concern quickly spread beyond the U.S., with people in Canada and the United Kingdom reporting similar fog and associated symptoms. Speculation has also tied the fog to the recent rise in drone sightings, with some suggesting the machines may be dispersing chemicals.

On platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), users shared alarming headlines, videos, and theories. One popular video titled “Alert!! Strange Fog!! 4 Days!! Weird Chemical Smell Sticky Particles” further stoked fears.

Meteorologists and scientists have offered a more plausible explanation: the fog is likely a natural weather phenomenon known as advection fog, common during winter when warm, moist air moves over cooler surfaces, forming dense fog. Such conditions can trap pollutants, giving the fog a chemical smell.

“The water droplets in fog can hold air pollutants, which might explain the odor,” experts noted. They emphasized that this is a natural occurrence and not necessarily linked to health issues, though pollutants can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.

The incident has drawn comparisons to past mass panics, such as the 1954 "Seattle windshield pitting scare." During that event, fears of atomic fallout led residents to scrutinize their windshields, finding tiny pit marks that had likely always been there but gone unnoticed until heightened anxiety made people more vigilant.

Similarly, experts suggest the current fog scare reflects the influence of social media, which can amplify fears. One post about an unusual phenomenon can trigger a cascade of observations and reports, creating the illusion of a widespread crisis.

While suspended pollutants in fog can exacerbate respiratory or cardiovascular issues in some individuals, they are unlikely to cause many of the more diverse symptoms reported. Experts have also dismissed concerns about unusual pet behavior, attributing such claims to natural animal responses.

The "mystery fog" highlights how social media can fuel public anxiety, especially in an age of heightened awareness about environmental and health risks. As with past cases, experts urge caution and critical thinking when interpreting sensational claims.

For now, the fog appears to be more of a natural meteorological event than evidence of sinister activity, though it underscores the need for clear communication to prevent unnecessary panic. (ILKHA)