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As winter begins to set in across northern India, a familiar but troubling phenomenon is blanketing cities, towns, and villages: smog.
Definition of Smog |
A mixture of smoke and fog, caused by the burning of coal, vehicular emissions, and industrial fumes (primary pollutants). |
Components of Smog |
Soot particulates, smoke, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and other components. |
Types of Smog |
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Primary Pollutants |
Air pollutants directly emitted from a source, e.g., sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons. |
Secondary Pollutants |
Pollutants formed when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere, e.g., ozone, acid rain. |
Formation of Secondary Pollutants |
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Sulfurous Smog |
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Photochemical Smog |
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Chemical Reaction for Ozone Formation |
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) + Sunlight + Hydrocarbons = Ozone (O3) |
Impact of Ozone |
Beneficial in the stratosphere but a greenhouse gas at ground level, contributing to global warming. |
Haze |
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Effects of Smog |
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Temperature Inversion |
Traps pollution close to the ground, exacerbating the effects of smog in cities like LosAngeles, Beijing, Delhi, and Mexico City. |
Carcinogenic Components |
Ozone (O3), Carbon monoxide (CO), and Sulfur dioxide (SO2) are carcinogens present in smog. |
READ ABOUT
National Capital Region Air Pollution
Source:
PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Smog has emerged as a significant environmental and health challenge in urban areas. Discuss smog's causes and effects on the environment and human health. What measures can be taken to mitigate its impactin rapidly growing urban centers?(250 words) |
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