The word “Smog” derived from the merging of two words “smoke” and “fog.” It is a heavy blanket of pollutants, suspended in the atmosphere. Its main cause is air pollution and no rains. Smog comprises many small particles, including ozone, pollens, topsoil, wood smoke, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, hydrocarbons, road dust, heavy traffic, high temperatures, the sunshine and calm winds. Smog is a yellowish or blackish fog that negatively affects both the environment and human health. Sometimes it can make breathing very difficult. It creates a hazy environment across the city, which makes complications in visualization. Nowadays, smog is affecting different areas of Pakistan, especially north Punjab seriously affected by this for last few days. Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that the spell of smog would last for quite a few days. However, the health experts also advised people to take precautions, to protect themselves from this type of air population.
Environmental Effect
- Smog can damage the ability of plants to store food and water that also damages the reproduction and plant growth.
- Smog can create acid deposits in the form of acid rain, snow, fog, gas, and dust. These acidic deposits and acidic rain end up on soil and water that can hurt plants and animals.
- It can cause water pollution.
- It can damage buildings & monuments.
- Smog can create acid deposits in the form of acid rain, snow, fog, gas, and dust.
- Heavy Smog can result in a smog cloud that can reduce visibility by 70 percent.
- Smog clouds are dangerous to drivers, airplanes, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Effect on Health
- It can cause breathing problems.
- It can be lethal for elder people and can increase the incidence of asthma in children.
- Particles of toxic chemicals in smog are easily inhaled through lungs and can cause serious problems for health.
- Thus, heavy smog results in a low production of vitamin D leading to cases of rickets among people.
- It can cause severe eye problems, including burning of eyes.
Precautions
- Use tissue papers while coughing.
- Do not touch eyes, face or nose with dirty hands.
- Use face masks while leaving the house.
- Wash your hands every time you came from outside.
- Save environment from pollution.
By observing these precautions you can get rid of the hazardous effects of smog.
I am glad you mentioned that smog can cause breathing problems. We have pretty bad air quality where I am from and most of the people who live here have asthma. Thanks for the information on the effects of smog on the environment and your health.
It caught my attention when you said smog contains toxic chemicals that when inhaled can affect the respiratory system in a negative way. If that is the case, then there is a reason why in California, smog testing is very important. I will have to take its side since I have kids that I want to protect. Because of this, I will encourage everyone to undergo smog testing.