Smog with emphasis on causes, effects on air quality,

impact on human health, impact on agricultural

productivity, and smog mitigation strategies

Submitted by: M Abdul Shakoor

Roll No: F24-BS-LITE-5017

Submitted to: Miss. Rakhshanda

Subject: Science of Global Challenges

Date: 01/12/24

Department of English

University of Okara

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 Table of contents
Types of smog ............................................................................................................................. 3
Causes of smog ........................................................................................................................... 3
Particulate Matter ................................................................................................................... 4
Nitrous Oxides (NOx).............................................................................................................. 4
Ozone ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Carbon Monoxide (CO) .......................................................................................................... 5
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) ........................................................................................................... 5
Vehicle emissions .................................................................................................................... 6
Industrial activity .................................................................................................................... 6
Inadequate waste management................................................................................................ 6
Effects of smog on Air quality .................................................................................................... 6
Effects of smog on human health ............................................................................................... 7
Effects on agricultural productivity ............................................................................................ 8
Smog mitigation strategies ......................................................................................................... 8
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................... 9

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S mog is a mixture of smoke and fog. The
smoke usually comes from burning coal.
Hundred of different chemicals are present in the
smoke which is visible to us consisting of carbon,
tar, oil, and ash. The phase is the only difference
between fog and smog. In smoke, the dispersion
phase is solid while in fog, the dispersion phase is
liquid. Smoke consists of air particles and gases Figure 1: A view in which reduced visibility due to
smog is shown..
produced by combustion,
such as soot and carbon compounds. It is typically associated with sources like industrial
processes and wildfires. On the other hand, fog is formed when the air near ground cools,
leading to condensation of water droplets or ice crystals, significantly reducing visibility. While
both can impact visibility, smoke originates from burning processes, whereas fog results from
atmospheric moisture condensation. (Khawar, 2023)

Types of smog
There are two types of smog:

1. Photochemical Smog
2. Sulfurous Smog

Causes of smog
• Particulate matter
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
• Ozone
• Carbon Monoxide
• Sulphur Dioxide
• Vehicle emissions
• Industrial activity
• Inadequate waste management

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Particulate Matter
Particulate matter is a combination of solid and liquid pollutants that are easily inhaled, such
as dust, soot and smoke. Depending on their diameter, these are classified as PM 2.5 or PM 10.
These could be formed directly as a result of fuel combustion or indirectly as a result of
complex atmospheric reactions. (2024)

Nitrous Oxides (NOx)

Of the several forms of nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide—a pungent, irritating gas—is of most
concern. It is known to cause pulmonary edema, an accumulation of excessive fluid in the
lungs. Nitrogen dioxide also reacts in the atmosphere to form nitric acid, contributing to the
problem of acid rain. In addition, nitrogen dioxide plays a role in the formation of
photochemical smog, a reddish brown haze that often is seen in many urban areas and that is
created by sunlight-promoted reactions in the lower atmosphere.

Nitrogen oxides are formed when combustion temperatures are high enough to cause molecular
nitrogen in the air to react with oxygen. Stationary sources such as coal-burning power plants
are major contributors of this pollutant, although gasoline engines and other mobile sources are
also significant. (A.Nathanson, 2024)

Ozone

A key component of photochemical smog, ozone is formed by a complex reaction between

nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight. It is considered to be a criteria
pollutant in the troposphere the lowermost layer of the atmosphere but not in the upper
atmosphere, where it occurs naturally and serves to block harmful ultraviolet rays from the
Sun. Because nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons are emitted in significant quantities by motor
vehicles, photochemical smog is common in cities such as Los Angeles, where sunshine is
ample and highway traffic is heavy. Certain geographic features, such as mountains that impede
air movement, and weather conditions, such as temperature inversions in the troposphere,
contribute to the trapping of air pollutants and the formation of photochemical smog.
(A.Nathanson, 2024)

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Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, invisible gas formed as a result of incomplete combustion.
It is the most abundant of the criteri pollutants. Gasoline-powered highway vehicles are the
primary source, although residential heating systems and certain industrial processes also emit
significant amounts of this gas. Power plants emit relatively little carbon monoxide because
they are carefully designed and operated to maximize combustion efficiency. Exposure to
carbon monoxide can be acutely harmful since it readily displaces oxygen in the bloodstream,
leading to asphyxiation at high enough concentrations and exposure times.

(A.Nathanson, 2024)

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

A colourless gas with a sharp, choking odour, sulfur dioxide is formed during the combustion
of coal or oil that contains sulfur as an impurity. Most sulfur dioxide emissions come from
power-generating plants; very little comes from mobile sources. This pungent gas can cause
eye and throat irritation and harm lung tissue when inhaled. Sulfur dioxide also reacts with
oxygen and water vapour in the air, forming a mist of sulfuric acid that reaches the ground as
a component of acid rain. Acid rain is believed to have harmed or destroyed fish and plant life
in many thousands of lakes and streams in parts of Europe, the northeastern United States,
southeastern Canada, and parts of China. It also causes corrosion of metals and deterioration
of the exposed surfaces of buildings and public monuments.(A.Nathanson,2024)

Table 1: Types of smog with their main pollutants and causes

Smog Color Main Pollutants Causes

Yellow/Brownish Tropospheric ozone, NOx , VOCs Reaction between NOx and
VOCs in sunlight
Grey/Dark Brown Fine particles, Soot, Dust Industrial Emissions, Traffic
Milky Fine Particles, Sulphates Industrial Emissions,
White/Bluish Chemical Reactions
Various Hues Variety of pollutants and local weather Local conditions and types of
conditions pollutants

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Vehicle emissions
Cars and heavy vehicles powered by fossil fuels are the main emitters of the pollutants that
combine to form smog. When fuels such as gasoline and diesel are burned, nitrogen oxides and
volatile organic compounds are released into the air. These are the pollutants that react with
sunlight, creating ground-level ozone. (Kunak, 2024)

Industrial activity
Cars and heavy vehicles powered by fossil fuels are
the main emitters of the pollutants that combine to
form smog. When fuels such as gasoline and diesel are
burned, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic
compounds are released into the air. These are the
pollutants that react with sunlight, creating ground Figure 2: Smoke is em itting from industry to air
that become cause of Air pollution
level ozone. (Kunak, 2024)

Inadequate waste management

The burning of waste emits nitrogen oxides, volatile
organic compounds and particulate matter. Their
decomposition emits greenhouse gases that
contribute to global warming, which in turn increases
the formation of smog. Some wastes emit harmful
Figure 3: Inadequate waste management is
gases into the air as they decompose, which contribute shown that produces lot of fun gal dis eases and
ruins the air quality
to photochemical smog. (Kunak, 2024)

Effects of smog on Air quality

Smog has increased the dangerous pollutants. Smog raises levels of harmful pollutants, such as
particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and
ground-level ozone (O3), degrading air quality. Carbon monoxide (CO) in smog reduces
oxygen levels by interfering with its absorption into the bloodstream, making the air less
breathable. Ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, is harmful to both humans and the
environment, leading to toxic air conditions. Particulate matter in smog scatters sunlight,
causing haze and reducing visibility, which affects transportation and daily activities. Smog

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contributes to the presence of acidic compounds in the air, which can harm buildings,
infrastructure, and ecosystems. (Pandis, 2016)
Effects of smog on human health

Smog has severe consequences on human health due to the toxic pollutants it contains, such as
particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ground-level ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO),
nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Short-term exposure to smog can lead to
immediate health problems, particularly for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and
those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.One of the most significant effects of smog is on
the respiratory system. It irritates the airways, causing symptoms such as coughing, throat
irritation, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure can exacerbate
conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung diseases. Ground-level ozone, a
primary component of smog, is particularly harmful as it inflames and damages lung tissues,
reducing lung function over time.Cardiovascular health is also at risk. Fine particulate matter
(PM2.5) can enter the bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and other
cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, smog’s toxic components can reduce the oxygen-
carrying capacity of the blood, leading to fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.Other health
impacts include eye and skin irritation, as smog’s acidic particles can cause redness, itching,
and discomfort. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious conditions such as cancer and
premature death, especially in urban areas with persistent smog. (Lelieveld, 2015)

Figure 5: This is how smog affects human health

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Effects on agricultural productivity

Smog significantly affects agricultural productivity due to its toxic components, such as
ground-level ozone, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. Ground-level ozone, a primary
pollutant in smog, damages the leaves of plants by penetrating their stomata, disrupting
photosynthesis, and reducing crop yields. Sensitive crops, including wheat, rice, and soybeans,
are particularly vulnerable.Particulate matter in smog blocks sunlight, reducing the energy
available for photosynthesis, which is essential for plant growth. Additionally, acidic
components in smog can alter soil chemistry, reducing nutrient availability and fertility. Long-
term exposure to smog can weaken plant resistance to diseases and pests, further impacting
productivity.These effects contribute to significant economic losses and threaten food security
in regions with persistent smog. Mitigating these impacts requires reducing emissions, adopting
sustainable agricultural practices, and monitoring air quality to protect crops and ecosystems.
(Agency, 2022)

Smog mitigation strategies

Fewer vehicles- The more vehicles, the more will be Smog. We should use more public
transport. There will be fewer vehicles on the road, and as a result, there will be less emission
of harmful gasses.
Recycle and Reduce- If we reuse the materials, it will require fewer things to make new ones.
There will be lesser emissions from the factories.

If you can only rely on your cars, service them on time. Changing their oils and improving the
mileage can help to a great extent. Also, try to fuel your vehicles early in the morning or
evening. When we fuel up during the day, the gas fumes heat up and form ozone.
We should encourage people to stop stubble burning. Burning of agricultural material is a
significant cause of Smog. In addition, we should make the farmers aware of its side effects.
Avoid fireworks- Even though we think we only burst crackers once or twice a year. But these
two days in a year can make a massive difference in the air quality. So, avoid bursting crackers.
Avoid products with Volatile organic compounds like nail polishes, pest repellants, oil paints,
etc. Avoiding the use of these can control the formation of Smog.

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Smog can have devastating effects on us as well as the environment. Therefore, we must be
careful, protect ourselves and prevent Smog as much as we can. (Science, 2022)

Bibliography
A.Nathanson Jerry Britannica [Online]. - November 21, 2024. -
https://www.britannica.com/science/smog.
Agency United States Environmental Protection Ozone pollution and agriculture [Online].
- 2022. - https://www.epa.gov/.
Khawar Ayesha Agriculture times [Online]. - December 8,
2023. - https://timesagriculture.com/what-is-smog-history-types-causes-impacts-and-
measurescomplete-overview/.
Kunak Kunak sensing anywhere [Online]. - 2024. - https://kunakair.com/smog/.
Lelieveld The Contribution of Outdoor Air Pollution Sources to Premature Mortality on a
Global Scale. [Journal] // Nature. - 2015.
Pandis Seinfield & Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate
Change [Book Section] // Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate
Chang. - [s.l.] : Willey, 2016.
Science Asian institute of Medical Smog- Harmful Effects On Health And Environment
[Online]. - November 23, 2022. - https://www.aimsindia.com/blog/smog-harmful-effects-
onhealth-and-environment/.
UnAcademy [Online]. - 2024. - https://unacademy.com/content/neet-
ug/studymaterial/chemistry/a-brief-note-on-smog-causes/.