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

Smog

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