SMOG is a portmanteau of “smoke” and “fog.” Still, it is an endemic environmental problem that continues to affect the health of humans along with the planet. This hazy cocktail of air pollutants often hovers over urban and industrial places, reducing visibility
along with creating an eerie atmosphere, and hence, understanding smog, its causes, impacts, along with solutions, is so very important for this highly pertinent problem and a safe future for all.
What is SMOG?
A product that would result from the combination of pollution, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), VOCs, and particulate matters, with sunlight is often referred to as smog; therefore, there are two main classifications of smog.
1. Photochemical Smog: This is also known as “summer smog,” a type of smog which forms when sunlight reacts with nitrogen
oxides and VOCs to produce ground-level ozone. It mainly occurs in warm, sunny climates and is one of the significant concerns in cities that have high traffic volumes.
2. Sulphurous Smog: This is sometimes referred to as “industrial smog” or “winter smog.” It is the result of fossil fuel burning, including coal, releasing sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter into the air. It occurs more frequently in colder climates and during the winter.
Causes of Smog
Smog formation is the result of a mix of human activities and environmental conditions. Major contributors are:
•Vehicle Emissions: Cars, Lorries, and buses release massive amounts of nitrogen oxides and VOCs, which are the primary precursors to photochemical smog.
•Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants discharge pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
•Burning of Fossil Fuels: Combustion of coal, oil, and gas produces massive amounts of smog, especially in areas using these sources of energy.
•Agricultural Practices: The use of fertilizers and burning of crop residues release ammonia and other harmful gases, which enhance air pollution.
•Weather Conditions: Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps pollutants close to the ground, can enhance smog
episodes.
Health Effects of Smog
The health effects of smog are deep and far-reaching. Exposure to smog can cause or worsen a variety of health problems, including:
•Respiratory Problems: Smog irritates the respiratory tract, which causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It also worsens diseases like asthma and bronchitis.
•Cardiovascular Issues: Exposure to smog over time has been associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
•Eye and Throat Irritation: The chemicals in smog can cause irritation in the eyes and throat, causing discomfort and inflammation.
•Chronic Diseases: Long-term smog exposure leads to enhanced cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
•Weak populations: Children, older people, and people with conditions tend to be more at risk.
Environmental Effects of Smog
Smog goes beyond human health into environment impacts:
•Reduces Visibility: Thinly spread smog often hides objects from view to impact transportation and daily use
•Harming Crops: Smog contains ground-level ozone and causes damage to plants thereby lowering agricultural productivity.
•Ecosystem Imbalance: Smog can destroy forests, water bodies, and soil, causing a loss of biodiversity.
•Climate Change: Although smog is not a greenhouse gas itself, most of its precursors are greenhouse gases, thereby enhancing the climate problem.
Strategies to Mitigate Smog
Combating smog involves a multifaceted approach that requires government policies, technological advancement, and individual actions. Here are some effective strategies:
Policy Initiatives:
•Harsh Emission Standards: There should be more severe standards of emission set for the vehicle and industrial sectors.
•Clean Energy Drive: Developing more and more wind, sun, and water power-based plants can be done in order to minimize dependence on fossil fuels.
•Urban Design: Well-designed cities with a well-designed public transport system will have reduced traffic and pollution.
Technological Advancements:
•Electric Cars: Electric cars are likely to reduce vehicular emissions significantly.
•Air Quality Monitoring: Advanced monitoring systems can help identify pollution hotspots and implement targeted interventions.
•Industrial Filters: Installing scrubbers and filters in factories can reduce the release of harmful pollutants.
Individual Actions:
•Carpooling and Public Transport: Reducing personal vehicle use can lower traffic-related emissions.
•Energy Conservation: Simple actions like using energy-efficient appliances and turning off lights when not needed can make a difference.
•Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities about the causes and impacts of smog can inspire collective action.
Smog in the UK: A Historical Perspective
The UK has had its share of smog-related challenges. The infamous Great Smog of London in 1952 was a tragic event that highlighted the dangers of air pollution. Over five days, a thick layer of smog engulfed the city, leading to thousands of deaths and prompting significant policy changes. This disaster led to the emergence of the Clean Air Act in 1956 by controlling air pollution measures, amongst those, prohibition of certain parts of burning coal.
Although much progress in bettering the air qualities can be seen in this developed country, yet today even in UK, many a time smog cannot escape the notice of visitors traveling through heavy traffic cities or industrial areas.
Conclusion
It is a complex problem with dire implications for health and the environment. Its persistence reminds us of the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices and policies. Understanding the causes and consequences of smog and taking concerted action can work towards cleaner air and a healthier planet. Each of us has a role to play in this endeavor, whether through lifestyle changes, advocacy, or supporting green initiatives. Together, we can clear the air and ensure a brighter, smog-free future.
