The term smog is derived from the combination of the English words smoke, which means smoke, and fog, which means fog and is a term used to describe visible air pollution, very common in urban areas.
Smog is the result of various chemical reactions between various primary pollutants, which can come from car emissions, industry emissions, fires, among others, which depend on climate, as their composition is also influenced by the sun.
- This type of air pollution can be harmful to health.
- As it can cause eye.
- Throat and nose irritation.
- Affecting the lungs.
- Causing a cough and aggravating respiratory diseases.
- Such as asthma.
- As well as damaging plants and animals.
The smog can be
Photochemical smog, as the name suggests, occurs in the presence of light, is common on very hot and dry days, and comes from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and emissions from motor vehicles.
In the composition of photochemical smog, primary pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen, and secondary pollutants, such as ozone, can be found under the influence of sunlight, so photochemical smog forms on warmer, warmer days.
Industrial, urban or acidic smog occurs mainly in winter and is composed of a mixture of smoke, fog, ash, soot, sulphur dioxide and sulfuric acid, among other health-harmful compounds, creating many risks to the population.
This type of smog has a dark color, which is due to the combination of these materials, which come mainly from industrial emissions and burning coal. The main difference between this type of smog and photochemical smog is that the first one occurs in winter and that the photochemical needs sunlight to form, with more tendency to occur in summer.
Smog can cause changes in the immune system, worsening respiratory illnesses such as asthma, dry protective membranes like the nose and throat, eye irritation, headaches, and lung problems.
Also know the risks of air pollution that are not visible
On days when smog is visible in the air, exposure should be avoided, especially in the vicinity of high-traffic areas, limiting outdoor hours, especially during exercise.
To reduce pollutant emissions, active and sustainable mobility such as cycling, walking and public transport, increasing green spaces, removing old vehicles from traffic, reducing open fires and encouragementing industries to use equipment must be provided.priority, catalysts and filters to retain smoke and contaminants.