1. The Meuse Valley in Belgium contains many
farms, villages, steel mills, factories, and chemical
plants. Its main claim to fame is an 80 year old
mystery, still the subject of speculation today.
Early in December of 1930 a thick fog lay over
much of the country. Over three days, from
December 2 through December 5, many people
who lived in the Meuse Valley complained of
nausea, difficulty breathing, stinging eyes, and
burning throats. By the end of the three days, 60
people had died and thousands more were ill with
an unknown “disease.”

2.  Fog was mentioned, so I may have to
consider climate
 People had various symptoms, so I may have
to consider medical areas
 Steel mills, factories, and chemical plants
where mentioned, so I amy have to consider
the industry and chemicals involved
 Farms were mentioned so I may have to
consider the land or agriculture

3. Climate Questions
◦ What was the weather like? What temperatures?
◦ What causes fog?
◦ Where there any weather patterns?
◦ Did wind affect the area during this time?
Chemical Questions
◦ What materials did the factory use?
◦ Were there chemicals being released from the
factories?
◦ Do any of these chemicals cause problems when
released?
◦ What are the facts about the chemicals?

4. Medical Questions
◦ What were the symptoms?
◦ What did medical reports show?
◦ What are some known causes of these symptoms?
Land Questions
◦ What is the geography of the land?
◦ What type of soil? Water? Plants?

5. Industry Questions
◦ What was being made in the factories?
◦ How many people worked in the factories?
◦ Were the factories considered dangerous?
◦ Did the factory have any history of problems?