How is photochemical smog caused?
How is photochemical smog caused?
Photochemical smog is a mixture of pollutants that are formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react to sunlight, creating a brown haze above cities. It tends to occur more often in summer, because that is when we have the most sunlight.
What is the main component of photochemical smog?
The main components of photochemical smog are nitrogen oxides, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), tropospheric ozone, and PAN (peroxyacytyl nitrate). All of these substances are very chemically reactive and are irritating to humans and other living things.
What is photochemical smog and what are its effect?
Short Term Effects of Air Pollution Photochemical smog is formed when sunlight interacts with certain chemicals in the atmosphere. Ozone is the main component in this type of air pollution. Ozone in the stratosphere protects us against harmful ultraviolet radiation, but on the ground, it is hazardous to human health.
What are the three substances that usually make up photochemical smog?
Smog (a.k.a. “photochemical smog”) can be formed just from nitrogen oxides and sunlight—without presence of VOC. This smog is chiefly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ozone (O3). Smog cannot be formed from just VOCs and sunlight; oxides of nitrogen and an oxidizer (ozone) are required in the chemical reactions.
How can we reduce photochemical smog?
Everyone can do their part to reduce smog by changing a few behaviors, such as:
- Drive less.
- Take care of cars.
- Fuel up during the cooler hours of the day—night or early morning.
- Avoid products that release high levels of VOCs.
- Avoid gas-powered yard equipment, like lawn mowers.
Which health issues are exacerbated by exposure to smog?
Health and Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter (PM)
- premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
- nonfatal heart attacks.
- irregular heartbeat.
- aggravated asthma.
- decreased lung function.
- increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.
How is smog released into the environment?
The atmospheric pollutants or gases that form smog are released in the air when fuels are burnt. When sunlight and its heat react with these gases and fine particles in the atmosphere, smog is formed. It is purely caused by air pollution.
How does nature play a role in the development of smog?
The use of natural gas does not contribute significantly to smog formation, as it emits low levels of nitrogen oxides, and virtually no particulate matter. For this reason, it can be used to help combat smog formation in those areas where ground level air quality is poor.
Why smog is harmful?
Why is it harmful? When inhaled, smog irritates our airways, increasing our risk of serious heart and lung diseases. These health risks are why many cities monitor smog levels. On a high ozone-alert day, for example, your eyes and throat may burn, and you may cough and wheeze.