Human lungs can get permanently damaged due to prolonged exposure to air pollution and smog.
In the early 1900's, smog, also called as photochemical smog, was used to describe the combination of smoke and fog.
However, in today's time, smog is nothing but the combination of pollutants of certain chemicals that gets 'cooked' due to the rising heat levels in the atmosphere which forms ground level ozone.
What are these pollutants and where do they come from that result in the formation of smog?
The emissions from the motor vehicles, industry, paints, solvents and gasoline fumes reacts with the heat of the summer time and forms the ground level ozone of which smog is its main component. So, in short, smog is nothing but a type of air pollution. Smog is very common in cities with sunny, warm, dry climate with a large number of vehicles.
While ozone in the stratosphere protects the earth from harmful UV radiation, ozone on the ground level is extremely hazardous to human health. During summer time, the upper air is warm and inhibits vertical circulation causing the smog to worsen. It can build up to highly dangerous levels by staying for extended periods of time over the densely populated areas. It can also travel with the wind and affect the sparsely populated areas.
Smog engulfs Back Bay, Walkeshwar and the Malabar Hill
How does it affect us?
According to the leading Lung Association's around the world, human lungs can get permanently damaged due to prolonged exposure to air pollution and smog.
The problems include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, eye and nose irritation, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammation of pulmonary tissues, heart attacks, lung cancer, increased asthma-related symptoms, fatigue, heart palpitations, and even premature ageing of the lungs and death.
The ozone in smog also affects plants growth and can cause widespread damage to crops and forest, and the haze reduces visibility.
It has also been estimated that more than 100 million people around the world live in areas with ozone levels above the established standards for health safety.
What are the steps to reduce/control smog?
Although, air pollution and smog are something that cannot be stopped, but it can be surely controlled if appropriate steps are taken at an individual level.
Avoid exercising near places with heavy traffic, especially during peak hour. Also, avoid outdoor activities when smog levels are high, especially during the afternoon. If you have a heart/lung condition, consult your doctor about ways to protect your health from smog.
Walk, ride your bicycle or use public transportation instead of your car whenever possible.
With winter setting in, the smog levels in the city of Mumbai is also on the rise with many people noticing a thick cover of smoke which quintessentially is smog hovering around in the last few days.
Car pooling and choosing to walk short distances is perhaps the best people in the city of Mumbai can do to reduce this deadly pollutant plaguing our air space.
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