Smog (SL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

What is Smog?

 

Photo by Mikel Letona on Unsplash 

Only the highest city buildings protrude above this smog, which has been trapped in the cooler air near ground-level by a layer of warm air above the city

• Smog is a type of air pollution characterised by a complex mixture of primary and secondary pollutants
  • Tropospheric ozone is a major component of smog
  • Deforestation and burning of biomass release large amounts of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and other pollutants into the atmosphere
  • These emissions can contribute to the formation of smog by increasing the concentration of primary pollutants and providing additional reactive substances for secondary pollutant formation
  • To some extent, forested areas can act as natural sinks for air pollutants, so their removal can exacerbate smog formation in surrounding regions

Factors Influencing Smog Occurrence

• The frequency and severity of smog depend on the local topography, climate conditions, population density, and the amount of fossil fuel use in an area
• Areas with geographical features that inhibit air movement, such as valleys or basins, can experience higher levels of smog due to the accumulation of pollutants
• Regions with hot and sunny climates are also more susceptible to smog formation as sunlight contributes to the chemical reactions that produce ozone

   Thermal Inversions

• • Thermal inversions occur when a layer of cool, dense air becomes trapped beneath a layer of warmer, less dense air
  • Inversion conditions prevent the vertical mixing of air and hinder the dispersion of pollutants, leading to their accumulation near the ground
  • This trapped layer of pollutants can contribute to the formation and persistence of smog, especially in areas with stable atmospheric conditions

Thermal inversions can cause a serious build up of smog in urban areas that are located in basins and valleys

Economic Losses

• Economic losses caused by urban air pollution can be significant due to various reasons:

   Healthcare Costs

• • Poor air quality in urban areas leads to an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among the population
  • This results in higher healthcare costs for individuals, businesses, and governments
  • The treatment of pollution-related illnesses, including hospitalisations, medications, and long-term care, can put a strain on healthcare systems and result in substantial economic burdens

   Reduction in Productivity

• • Air pollution can have a detrimental effect on worker productivity
  • Exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and fatigue, all of which can impair work performance
  • Reduced productivity levels translate into economic losses for businesses and the overall economy

   Loss of Workdays

• • Severe air pollution episodes often trigger health warnings, prompting people to stay indoors or limit outdoor activities
  • This can result in missed workdays or reduced working hours, impacting businesses and individuals' incomes
  • Additionally, when pollution-related health issues force workers to take sick leave, it affects productivity and leads to economic losses

   Environmental Damage

• • Urban air pollution not only affects human health but also causes environmental damage
  • Contaminated air can harm vegetation, crops, and ecosystems, leading to reduced agricultural yields, damage to natural resources, and disruption in the ecological balance
  • These impacts can result in economic losses for industries reliant on agriculture, forestry, and tourism

   Decreased Property Values

• • Areas with high levels of air pollution often experience a decline in property values
  • Potential buyers and investors are deterred by the health risks associated with living or operating businesses in polluted areas
  • This reduction in property values can have negative economic consequences for homeowners, real estate developers, and local governments

   Increased Environmental Regulations

• • To combat air pollution, governments may impose stricter environmental regulations on industries, businesses, and vehicles
  • Compliance with these regulations often requires investments in pollution control technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and cleaner energy sources
  • These expenses can place a financial burden on businesses and potentially impact their profitability

• Tackling air pollution not only improves public health but also brings economic benefits by reducing these losses and creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for communities