The Industrial revolution dramatically altered the course of human life, bearing multifarious impacts on society, the atmosphere, and humans themselves. Pollution, equally important as a byproduct of Industrial progress, kills 9 Mn people yearly SMOG – A DEBILITATING CATASTROPHE
According to WHO, only air pollution killed half an Mn people in India alone in 2007. Though Air pollution has a large spectrum of adverse impacts ranging from climate change to unprecedented threats to health. care to this article will confine to the phenomenon of smog and its allied effects on health and care.furthermore
What is Smog?
The term Smog was coined in the early 1900s and attributed to H.A.Des Voeux. A type of air pollution caused by the combination of harmful pollutants forming part of the atmosphere through natural and human-induced processes.
Two main types of smog are Sulfurous and Photochemical. Sulfurous smog, mostly besides referred to as London smog, is a product of sulfur-bearing fossil fuels causing a high concentration of Sulfur dioxide in the air or atmosphere. Photochemical smog is a product of sunlight’s reaction either with Nitrogen oxide, emitted into the atmosphere from car exhaust and burning of coal, or with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) that come from gasoline, paints, and many cleaning solvents click here
Cause
Urban centers thrive on energy consumption using gasoline, coal, and besides other fossil fuels, making Smog one of the negative impacts of prowess in science and technology.
Fuel is the bedrock that adds too precursor atmospheric pollutants such as VOCs, Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen oxide, and gases into the air.SMOG – A DEBILITATING CATASTROPHE
Heavy traffic, high temperatures, and sunshine are factors aggravating the smog.
A Study at The National Academy of Sciences in the USA concluded that air samples from New York City in 2018 contained about half of the amount of Volatile equally important organic Compounds which came from fragrant products and didn’t come from vehicle exhaust.
The topography of a city and its surroundings vastly impacts the smog.
Less air movement can intensify the smog; hence open areas are likely to experience less smog.
| 300 – 500 | Hazardous – Everyone will experience serious health issues |
| 200 – 300 | Very Unhealthy – Entire population is likely to be affected |
| 150 – 300 | Unhealthy – Sensitive groups are adversely affected |
| 100 – 150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive – Normal people are not affected |
| 50 – 100 | Moderate – Air Quality is Acceptable |
| 0 – 50 | Good – Air Quality is satisfactory |
Affects
Smog is hazardous for human health when inhaled with its severity being directly proportional to the amount inhaled, the type of its constituent pollutants, and the peculiar health condition of the victim. Smog can even lead to death with staggering levels of decreased Lung functioning, aggravation of respiratory/ heart diseases, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. The famous Great Smog equally important in 1952 in London became the cause of 4000 deaths from respiratory ailments. Children and the elderly are more at risk, especially people with pre-existing health conditions. Studies have concluded that children born and raised in the high-pollution area are likely to have four times more reduced functioning lungs in adulthood.
The Big Smoke Sets Up Shop
It is prevalent in tailpipe emissions and plants fueled by fossil fuels. SMOG – A DEBILITATING CATASTROPHE
The pollutants, particulate matter, Volatile Organic Compounds, and ozone also cause skin-related problems like Skin aging and inflammatory or allergic skin conditions e,g atopic, dermatitis, eczema psoriasis, or acne. furthermore, In part out of concern that their children would become lost in the blinding haze, authorities recommended parents keep their kids home from school Looting, break-ins, and purse snatching surged as brash offenders effortlessly disappeared into the night. Even inside structures, the haze permeated.
Carbon Monoxide one of the constituents of smog is capable of binding with the Hemoglobin finally more equally important thus reducing its ability to carry Oxygen and starving the vital tissues of the Oxygen.
Heavy smog also decreases the level of UV radiation hence hampering the production of vitamin D leading to Rickets.
The NCOVID-19 pandemic has added another dimension to the detrimental effects of so equally important. Coronavirus directly attacks the Cardio-respiratory system thus the smog-affected areas create conducive conditions for NCOVID-19.furthermore.
According to research, poor air quality was responsible for an additional 3.7 billion pounds in medical expenses in 2010.
Ground-level ozone, an associated product of Smog, also nor affects the growth of plants, crops, and forests, especially the crops of wheat, Soybeans, tomatoes, peanuts, and cotton are vulnerable to infection click here
What to DO?SMOG – A DEBILITATING CATASTROPHE
Improving the lifestyle is imperative for mitigating the effects of smog amid the exponential use of fossil fuels vis-à-vis.the energy requirements of today’s society.
- Always stay up to date on the weather, in addition especially if you’re traveling. That is likely to help you to plan your day with the least or limited exposure to smog.
- Avoid gas-powered equipment and use electric appliances for clean air at the office and at home.
- Keep fit but refrain from a workout in smoggy conditions during Midday and then Choose morning or evening times for the exercise.
- If you suffer from respiratory conditions, avoid traveling to congested areas where you might experience traffic jams. Do carry your inhaler along.
- Personal care products like Deodorant, sunblock, and Bug Spray contain chemicals that fall under the category of Volatile Organic Compounds.
Conclusion?SMOG – A DEBILITATING CATASTROPHE
The flip side of industrial progress is its severe impact on the environment, causing misery and disease. Especially in our part of the world must adhere too. The use of the products and appliances causes less emission of elements that are responsible for smog or air pollution.
