There is probably no one who hasn’t heard about smog. Although we associate it mainly with autumn and winter months, it turns out that smog can surround us even on hot, summer days. It’s present not only in big cities or industrial areas. What is smog and why is it so harmful? Keep reading to learn more!
Smog – what is it?
So, what is smog? As you probably know, smog is a type of air pollution. It’s a mixture of smoke and fog (this is where the name comes from). Smog is caused mainly by the burning of fossil fuels. How is it possible? The smoke contains chemicals that react with the fog to form smog.
This air pollutant is a problem in many cities around the world. It has a tremendous impact on human health, animals, plants, and crops.
When is it created and what causes it?
Since you know what is smog, it’s time to discuss its main causes and sources.
Smog is created when there is a mixture of pollutants in the air, including ground-level ozone, particulate matter, and other compounds. These pollutants can come from a variety of sources such as power plants, factories, automobiles, and even wildfires.
The above-mentioned ozone is created when sunlight reacts with pollutants in the atmosphere, and particulate matter can be emitted directly into the air from a variety of sources.
Top health threats
Long-term exposure to smog can have an extremely negative impact on one’s well-being and health. It can cause:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Throat irritation
- Breathing difficulties
- Asthma
- Respiratory problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Problems with concentration
- Bronchitis
- Cardiovascular problems
- Lung cancer
In more extreme cases, smog exposure can lead to death. Therefore, it’s crucial to learn what is smog and take measures to avoid harmful exposure, particularly if one suffers from any respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
The takeaway
Knowing what is smog is imperative to be able to make informed decisions and stay away from dangerous substances whenever possible. It’s worth checking PM10, or PM2.5 parameters on a regular basis to protect yourself and your loved ones from pollutants.
Resign from outdoor activities if smog levels are high and take available measures to change the situation for the better. Although it might seem to you that an individual can’t do much, it’s far from the truth.
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