SMOG
Table of contents:
Smog definition and meaning
What is smog and how we divide it?
The main causes of smog
Smog effects – results of air pollution
Smog definition and meaning:
The word “smog” is a combination of the English words “smoke” and “fog”. This combination of
words has spread throughout the world, perfectly describing the phenomenon.
Definition:
It can be stated that smog is just such an artificial fog that was created in an unnatural way as
a result of human activities and certain unfavorable circumstances of nature.
What is smog and how we divide it?
Many people do not know what smog is. There are two main types of smog, distinguished
according to the place and conditions of formation. The first one is Los Angeles smog, which is
formed primarily in the summer months and can be found mainly in subtropical zones, and the
second one is so-called London smog, more characteristic of the temperate climatic zone and
forming mainly from November to January (sometimes March). These 2 types of smog also
differ in composition. London smog is primarily a mixture of various particulate matters,
enriched with Sulphur, nitrogen or carbon oxides, but also with soot. Los Angeles smog consists
mainly of gases, including carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon.
The main causes of smog:
Smog is formed by mixing air with pollutants and exhaust gases resulting from human activities.
The factors which are responsible for this include factories,
An Increasing Number of Cars.
Burning Coal.
Wood and Other Solid Fuels in Stoves.
Its formation is also determined by the weather, climate and general conditions of the area. It
will be much more difficult to get rid of pollutants when a city is in a valley and the windless
weather prevents them from being spread and thinned out, making them hang over the city.
Unfortunately, the phenomenon of spreading pollutants to other areas, i.e. the so-called inflow
smog, is also present. Certainly, this is how the air is purified in one place, but it becomes more
polluted in another. It is also worth knowing that the smog present in Poland is not only London
smog, but also Los Angeles smog, resulting from traffic pollution.
Smog effects – results of air pollution:
The effects of smog are very noticeable – thick smoke hanging over the city is easily noticed
and inhabitants should not breathe polluted air. The results of air pollution, however, are
much more far-reaching than some people think – it has a significant impact on human health,
with long exposure leading to:
The development of allergies and asthma.
The induction of respiratory failure.
Decreased immunity of the body.
The induction of circulatory system and heart diseases.
The development of neoplastic diseases.
The smog effects can also be experienced indirectly, for example by eating plants or meat
from animals that were exposed to such conditions. This is because aggressive chemical
factors affect not only people, but animals, plants, and materials as well (including building
materials). The effects of air pollution are sometimes delayed, but in other cases visible
immediately. The best example is the famous Great London Smog in 1952. While it lasted for
only 5 days, it caused 4,000 deaths related to respiratory complications. A further 8,000 people
died in the following weeks. The effects of the smog were so catastrophic that to this day,
governments wrestle with how to reduce its impact.
Precautions to be taken to combat smog in Pakistan:
The precautions to be taken to handle the smog in 2023 before the arrival of the winter season
2009-26 are crucial to be done. The cycle itself should be continuous in nature. Individual
precautions and government-level policies are necessary to solve the issue.
INDIVIDUAL LEVEL PRECAUTIONS:
The public can also take part in preventive measures alongside the government. Furthermore,
people can take the following steps to stay safe while dealing with smog in 2023-24.
To reduce exposure, stay away from busy locations when you are outside.
If you must have to stay outdoor, wear a mask.
Water intake and rest beneath the shades while working outside.
Avoid hard labor outside.
Avoid driving and smoking.
If you must drive, go slowly and utilize your headlights fog lights, blinkers.
When inside, seal all air inlets, including windows.
Asthma patients should always carry inhalers. Also if you have chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease or think your condition might worsen, keep your doctor's phone
number handy.
Always keep your inhaler close if you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
or asthma.
Bike riders must wear face masks and eyes protection.
Keep your eyes clean and drink lots of water.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES TO BE IMPLEMENTED:
Permanent reduction in the usage of toxic fuels.
Permanent reduction in vehicular emissions.
Optimized traffic management program.
An effective network of public transport.
Reduction in waste burning.
Avoidance of Crop Burning.
Implementation of modern technology for old brickworks.
Planned urban development.
Increase in plantation.
Evacuate the old vehicles.
Agreements for regional environmental protection.
Smog affects everyone differently; some people are more vulnerable to its harmful effects than others.
REFRENCES:
https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/smog;3976775.html
http://bonavita.pl/smog-przyczyny-skutki-ochrona-oraz-wplyw-na-zdrowie
http://www.ekologia.pl/wiedza/slowniki/leksykon-ekologii-i-ochrony-srodowiska/smog
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smog
