Smog is a common problem but it's causes and effects are not so widely

known.

Very briefly write down

1) what you think causes smog?

2) what are the effects of smog?

WHAT IS SMOG?

Smog is the term used to describe the phenomenon of a dense smoky fog

which occurs during times of temperature inversion.

Temperature inversion occurs when hot air gets trapped below a dense layer

There are various types of smog:

1) Bituminous fuel smog is a mixture of smoke emitted when bituminous

coal is burned.

2) Photochemical smog occurs when fumes from motor vehicles and

industries react with sunlight to cause dense cloud at ground level.

MAIN SOURCES OF SMOG

The burning of bituminous coals in domestic fires.

Exhaust fumes from vehicles.

Fumes from the burning of coal and oil in power stations.

1987 figures for smoke emissions by fuel show that 93.58% of coal

smoke comes from domestic heating systems, 4.48% from power

generation and 1.94% from Industrial coal burning.

Human Health

Even at low concentrations smog pollution can result in annoyance, minor eye

irritations, "chestiness" and aggravation of symptoms for asthmatics and

people with, sinusitis, bronchitis, colds, 'flu or other respiratory disorders.

At higher levels smog can be fatal. This is demonstrated by the increase in

deaths among people with respiratory disease during periods of increased

smog levels. 4000 such deaths occurred within a few days in London in 1952

which led to the Clean Air Act of 1956. The phenomenon also was observed in

The effects on the environment can be seen, smelt and felt.

What does it look like? Smog can be seen, it is represented by a thick pea

soup, it can be seen on window screens of cars and on window of houses as a

scum and it can be seen on clothes that have been out on the line.

What does it smell like? Smog smells sulphur-like, it will sometimes be very

smoky, a bit like putting your head in the chimney to breath, when its at its

worst.

What it feels like. The feel of smog can vary depending on the health of the

individual but most people will feel a biting or burning sensation in their noses

first, your eyes may smart or water or even get sore if they are sensitive.

Sometimes the throat may be affected manifesting itself as a slightly raw

throat, you may even feel a slight tightening of the chest area, for those with

asthma or allergies the affects can be very debilitating causing asthmatic

attacks which if severe can require hospitalization or for those suffering

emphysema it can cause death due to either respiratory failure or heart

attacks.

THINGS YOU CAN DO

• You can burn smokeless fuels only

• You can switch to natural gas or storage heating.

• Make sure your house is well insulated.

• Buy an efficient fire that will increase the combustion of the fuel thus cutting

down on emissions.

• Clean your chimney at least twice a year.

• Do not burn plastic or rubbish in the fire these can create dioxins which are

toxic.

• Cycle or walk where possible

• Use Public Transport

• Drive at moderate speeds

• Use unleaded petrol