Photochemical smog, which is also known as “Los Angeles smog,” occurs most prominently in urban areas that
have large numbers of automobiles
. It requires neither smoke nor fog. This type of smog has its origin in the nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon vapours emitted by automobiles…
Why are there higher levels of smog in urban areas?
Ground-level ozone is the main component of smog. … Many urban areas tend to have
high levels of ground-level ozone
, but increased ozone affects rural areas too, because wind can carry ozone and the pollutants from hundreds of miles away.
Why is smog worse in urban areas than in rural areas?
Smog pollution is a
frequent health threat
in some regions.
All of those places were located in inland California, where the wind carries pollution from urban centers, and hot, sunny days facilitate the reaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that creates smog.
What are high levels of photochemical smog due to?
Photochemical smog is produced
when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and at least one volatile organic compound (VOC) in the atmosphere
. Nitrogen oxides come from car exhaust, coal power plants, and factory emissions. VOCs are released from gasoline, paints, and many cleaning solvents.
Why is photochemical smog more apparent in urban areas?
Photochemical smog forms from a complex process, however the source of it is quite apparent. … Due to the direct production of it by vehicles, the smog forms over cities where
many people may encounter its adverse health effects
.
What is photochemical smog give example?
What is photochemical smog? Photochemical smog is a mixture of pollutants that are formed when
nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) react to sunlight, creating a brown haze above cities. It tends to occur more often in summer, because that is when we have the most sunlight.
What kinds of harm does photochemical smog cause?
It causes
painful irritation of the respiratory system, reduced lung function and difficulty breathing
; this is more evident while exercising or working outdoors. High levels of smog also trigger asthma attacks because the smog causes increased sensitivity to allergens, which are triggers for asthma.
What are the 2 major sources of air pollution in urban areas?
The recently published study shows, based on the available information, that traffic
(25%), combustion and agriculture
(22%), domestic fuel burning (20%), natural dust and salt (18%), and industrial activities (15%) are the main sources of particulate matter contributing to cities’ air pollution.
What led to air pollution in urban areas?
People have generated air pollutants, gases and particulate material added to the atmosphere that can affect climate or harm people or other organisms. Across the world, city air is often thick with
exhaust fumes
, factory smoke or soot from coal burning power plants.
What are the causes of pollution in urban areas?
However, the main sources contributing to air pollution are well identified and this list is common for all Indian cities –
vehicle exhaust, heavy industry including power generation, small scale industries including brick kilns, resuspended dust on the roads due to vehicle movement and construction activities
, open …
Is air quality better in urban or rural areas?
Is rural air any different that the air quality in urban regions? According to at least one study, the answer is yes. … According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control,
there is often better air in rural areas compared to urban areas
. Low-level ozone, for example, decreases from cities to rural areas.
Is the air quality forecast likely to be better in urban areas or in rural areas?
But
rural areas
are more subject to natural pollutants, such as forest fires. In the case of this picture, the air quality is probably worse in the rural areas with forest fires than in the urban areas without forest fires.
Why is photochemical smog a concern to humans?
Why is it harmful? When inhaled,
smog irritates our airways, increasing our risk of serious heart and lung diseases
. These health risks are why many cities monitor smog levels. On a high ozone-alert day, for example, your eyes and throat may burn, and you may cough and wheeze.
What are the causes and effects of photochemical smog?
A chemical reaction between solar ultraviolet radiation and an atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen
causes photochemical smog. This is especially common from automobile exhaust. Smog can happen both during the day and at night, but photochemical smog only happens in the presence of sunlight.
Where would a person be most exposed to photochemical smog?
It is created by a chemical reaction that takes place in exhaust and in the presence of sunlight. The gas is acrid-smelling and whitish.
Warm, dry cities surrounded by mountains, such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Denver
, are especially prone to photochemical smog (Figure below).
What is another name for photochemical smog?
Photochemical smog, which is also known as “
Los Angeles smog
,” occurs most prominently in urban areas that have large numbers of automobiles. It requires neither smoke nor fog.
