INTRODUCTION

“Smog, a combination of smoke and fog, is a type of air pollution mainly present in industrial and urban areas. It is produced by the burning of fossil fuels, which releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.”

Types of smog

It has two major types depending upon the type of weather they are produced in and pollutant it has in it 

“1. Photochemical smog (also known as summer or Los Angeles-type smog)”

This type of smog is mainly present in warm, sunny, and dry climates. It appears as a brownish haze in the environment and mainly consists of nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ground-level ozone (O₃), producing smog after reacting with sunlight.”

“2. Sulfurous smog (also known as winter or London-type smog)”

This type of smog is mainly present in cool, damp, and foggy conditions. It appears as a thick, grayish haze or fog and primarily consists of sulfur oxides (SOₓ) and particulate matter.

Major Health hazards of smog  

Smog can cause many health conditions which includes:

   1.Respiratory Problems 

Smog consists of particles that can irritate the lungs and damage the respiratory system it can lead to the following conditions  

•    Acute respiratory irritation  
•    Acute exacerbation of asthma 
•    Chronic bronchitis and COPD 
•    Reduced Lung function  
•    Respiratory infection  
•    Development of chronic respiratory Diseases  
•    Impaired lung development in children  

    2.Eye Problems 

Smog particles cause various eye conditions, ranging from mild discomfort to serious diseases. The following are eye conditions caused by smog:

• Dry eye syndrome
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Allergic eye reactions
• Keratitis (corneal inflammation)
• Increased risk of cataracts
• Worsening of glaucoma
• Macular degeneration
• Ocular surface disease

3.Cardiovascular problems

Smog consists of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and ground-level ozone (O₃). These particles penetrate the bloodstream, leading to a wide range of cardiovascular conditions:

• Increased risk of heart attacks (myocardial infarction)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• Stroke
• Heart failure (congestive heart failure)
• Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
• Blood clot formation (thrombosis)

4.Psychological Effects of smog

Smog and air pollution can affect mental health and well-being in several ways. It leads to a wide range of mental health issues due to its direct effects on the brain and indirect impacts on mood, stress levels, and overall quality of life.

Key Psychological Effects of Smog

• Increased anxiety and stress
• Depression and mood disorders
• Cognitive decline and impaired memory
• Sleep disorders
• Reduced quality of life and social isolation
• Increased risk of substance use as a coping mechanism
• Behavioral changes and aggression
• Feelings of helplessness and “eco-anxiety”

Historical Background

The Great Smog of 1952
In 1952, London faced an extreme episode of smog, now known as the Great Smog of London. The smog was so deadly that it caused widespread respiratory conditions, leading to approximately 4,000 immediate deaths and an estimated 12,000 deaths over the following months due to respiratory complications. Public transportation shut down as visibility plummeted, and even indoor spaces became filled with acrid smoke.

Beijing 2014
In February 2014, Beijing experienced severe smog that lasted from February 8 to February 28. This smog was rich in PM2.5 particulate matter, which is known to cause serious health issues and posed significant risks to public health.

Vulnerable Population

• Children
• Elderly people  
• Pregnant woman 
• Pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions  
• people living in low income and disadvantaged communities  
• workers in outdoor or polluted environment  
• Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions
• Urban populations

Prevention of Smog-Related Diseases

• Limiting outdoor exposure and staying indoors, especially for vulnerable groups
• Using protective masks like N95 and FFP2, which filter micro-particles such as PM2.5
• Using air purifiers with high-quality filters indoors to reduce the concentration of harmful particles
• Reducing vehicular emissions by avoiding unnecessary driving, switching off engines when idle, and using public transportation
• Increasing public awareness through education and campaigns
• Encouraging the use of cleaner fuels