Almost any human activity leads to air pollution and, as a result, smog formation in the atmosphere. In one of its air quality reports, the American Lung Association reported that air quality in Los Angeles carries an “F” rating for poor particulate and ozone air pollution (Cheung). The city is often covered with a yellow veil in the sky, so the problem of smog is an actual problem of the state.
It should be noted that smog is most often formed in large cities and places with developed industries since the activities of chemical and industrial enterprises cause especially great damage to the environment. Burning petroleum products, fuels, coal, peat, or wood also leads to air pollution. Photochemical processes in the O3 – NOx – H20 – RH (Formula 1) system is the main cause of the formation of photochemical smog, the components of which – peroxyacetyl nitrates (PAN) and ozone – are toxic to humans. Ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrates give the oxidative character to photochemical smog. Measurements made in Los Angeles show that the increase in ozone concentration is associated with a characteristic change in the relative content of NO2 and NO (Cheung). The deterioration of visibility during smog, the appearance of a bluish haze or whitish fog, is associated with the formation of aerosol particles during the oxidation of organic compounds.
Being a strong oxidizing agent, ozone destroys many materials widely used in everyday life and production. The replacement of the latter is associated with an additional cost of natural and energy resources and, therefore, leads to a new round of increasing anthropogenic pressure on the environment. In addition, vehicle exhaust fumes and air pollution cause severe damage to air quality. However, along with human impact, geographical protection from wind also has a negative impact on air circulation.
Long-term exposure to smog causes respiratory problems, damages the cardiovascular and circulatory systems, weakens the immune system, and causes poor overall health. It leads to the emergence of various diseases, faster aging of the body, and death of people (Air quality). First of all, the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases suffer from smog (Children and air pollution). Moreover, a mixture of sulfur oxides, toxic substances, and harmful tiny particles negatively affects the biological world as well. The soil becomes less productive and fertile in areas where smog often occurs. Additionally, it negatively affects the animal world, especially domestic animals in the range of smog.
Improving air quality is the responsibility of governments and the private sector. The authorities can take specific actions, including implementing a comprehensive air quality and climate change policy or refusing cars running on gasoline and diesel fuel. However, one should not rely only on the state, and one can do a lot oneself. Simple actions such as using public transport, cycling, reducing household waste, and much more will reduce emissions of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Los Angeles currently has some of the worst air quality in the US, and smog is the most common problem in the state. It is formed when two factors appear simultaneously: special atmospheric conditions and air pollution directly related to human activities. Although the state carries out a significant part of the fight against air pollution and smog, residents can also positively impact by changing their lifestyles.
Works Cited
“Air Quality.” SCAQMD, 2023, Web.
Cheung, Jordan. “Air Pollution in Los Angeles.” Earth.Org, Web.
“Children and Air Pollution.” American Lung Association, 2022, Web.