Smog is now considered a greater threat all over the world. It disturbs the entire ecosystem. Smog is mainly due to human activities. This article explains the types, causes, and impacts on the environment. In humans, many respiratory diseases like asthma and other lung diseases are produced due to smog.
What is smog?
The smog is a combination of two words: smoke and fog. It is a mixture of harmful substances from human-made and natural sources. It is air pollution that reduces visibility. It is the interaction of sunlight with different pollutants. This pollution comprises nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, Sulphur dioxides, and other harmful organic compounds.
Types of smog:
There are two types of smog.
- Sulfurous smog (London smog)
- Photochemical smog (Los Angeles smog)
Photochemical smog:
This type of smog forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. It is frequently seen in big cities like Los Angeles.
Sulfurous smog:
This type of smog is caused by burning coal and other fossil fuels. This type was associated with industrial cities during the early 20th century.
Causes of smog:
There are two types of factors that cause smog. One is a human-induced factor, and the other is a natural factor.
Human-induced factors:
Industrial pollutants:
Factories and power plants release harmful gases in large numbers that compound smog levels. We do not take precautionary measures in any factories therefore, our environment is changing.
Vehicular emissions:
The big cities are full of vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorbikes, and buses, contributing greatly to smog formation. Some vehicles are too old and release harmful smoke into the environment
Overpopulation:
With the increase of the population, human activities are increased, which promotes smog formation.
Burning of fossil fuels:
Burning coal, oil, and gas for energy contributes significantly to air pollution and smog.
Fireworks:
Fireworks lead to the formation of smog in the environment. For example, in rural areas, farmers fire the remaining crops, garbage, and wood. In cities, fireworks on Diwali and New Year’s Eve produce a thick layer of smog in the atmosphere.
Deforestation:
Cutting down of trees is called deforestation. It is one of the biggest causes of smog in the country. We cut trees to make roads, housing societies, buildings, and dams. Trees are the home of many birds; if there are no trees, there are no birds. It’s not just the birds that depend on trees, we (humans) also depend on trees because we use oxygen to breathe. We must plant more trees and take care of them. The government should strictly ban cutting trees.
Natural factors:
Wildfires:
In forests, many birds, like black kites, use fire for hunting. Sometimes, these fires can burn the whole jungle, produce smog in the environment, and destroy everything. When trees grow taller and their branches extend, they often intertwine with those of nearby trees. During strong winds, the friction caused by the branches rubbing against each other can generate heat, potentially leading to fire.
Volcanic emissions:
Smog can also be caused by volcanic eruptions, which release Sulphur dioxide in the environment and contribute the smog formation.Â
Effects on wildlife:
Smog harms our environment, health, and animals.
Respiratory issues:
As humans, animals inhale polluted air, leading to respiratory issues like lung damage and decreased energy. Many animals can’t breathe in smog; it is very toxic, and as a result, many animals die.
Weakened immune system:
Smog weakens the immune system of many animals. Some animals that breathe polluted air are more at risk of many infectious diseases.
Behavioral change:
Many birds migrate to other places due to polluted air, and it causes the extinction of wildlife. Some birds lay eggs in their nest, and due to the smog, they leave, leading to a big loss of wildlife. It disrupts the natural habitat of animals, affecting animal behavior and survival.
Effect on the marine species:
When smog-forming pollutants settle into water bodies, they can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and harm fish, crocodiles, tortoises, and other marine life.
Long-term consequences:
Over time, smog contributes to the loss of biodiversity. Endangered species are more at risk of decline due to limited adaptability.
Precautionary measures during smog:
There are some precautions we must adopt during smog.
- Use a mask and glasses to protect the eyes
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid outdoor work, sports, and other activities.
- Wash your eyes regularly
- Keep indoor plants
- Limit driving
- Avoid smoking
How to control smog?
There are various steps to overcome air pollution. We must implement these steps strictly and wisely; failing to do so, we will pay the price with our lives.
1. Reduce vehicle emission:
One of the main causes of smog is vehicle smoke. Heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, and loader vehicles release large amounts of nitrogen oxides into the environment. We should encourage the use of electric cars, bikes, and other vehicles. The government should introduce public transport with better facilities, especially in urban areas. The fewer vehicles on the roads, the less smog.
2. Plant more trees
Trees are natural purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the environment. We should plant more trees in big cities. It can reduce the level of smog. In Pakistan and India, Lahore and Delhi are considered the most polluted city in the world respectively.
3. Promote awareness
In developing countries, the literacy rate is very low. The common man is unaware of the effect of smog. Government ministers should come forward to overcome the smog and start campaigns to inform people how smog is formed and to control it as they campaign for the election. Environmental organizations should spread knowledge about smog control in schools, colleges, universities, and other social media platforms.
4. Service your vehicles
If you use your car or bike, service them on time. Many vehicles are on roads, releasing harmful gases into the environment and making life dangerous for everyone. The government officers must stop those vehicles and fine them.
5. Reduce industrial emissions
The government should implement strict rules for industries because they emit very harmful gases into the environment. Environmental organizations should install filters and greener techniques to reduce industrial pollution.
6. Enhance waste management practices
The government should ban the open burning of any waste, especially plastic and other biodegradable materials, releasing harmful gases that contribute to smog. We should use eco-friendly products and recycle the garbage.
7. International cooperation
Smog is not a one-country problem. It can affect the air quality of neighboring countries. We should address this issue globally. Treaties and agreements like the Paris climate change help to set goals and fight together against smog.
8. Renewable energy source
The government should encourage the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Hydropower is a clean source of energy because it is reliable and does not pollute the air index.
We should implement different steps to overcome the impact of smog on the environment. The healthier the environment, the healthier we are. Everyone should respect the environment and make efforts to keep it neat and clean. It is our responsibility that the coming generations can breathe in a clean and healthy environment.
Difference between smog and fog:
There is a lot of difference between smog and fog.
