Introduction
The modern world faces numerous ecological problems resulting from the rapid rise of industries and extensive use of natural resources. A significant scale of the problem is evidenced by diverse pollutants and their sources that affect the environment and result in drastic changes. Smog is one of these.
Definition and Sources
Smog can be defined as the mixture of solid and liquid fog and smoke particles that are formed under the impact of high humidity and calm air (Editorial Board, 2013). The combination of these factors preconditions smoke and fumes accumulation near their sources (Editorial Board, 2013). There are several major reasons for the appearance of this pollutant which are transportation emissions, industrial plants and their activities, and heating caused by anthropological factors (Editorial Board, 2013).
Nonpoint Pollutant
Moreover, smog could be classified as a nonpoint-source pollutant. The given type could be described as the introduction of contaminants and other harmful substances into the environment over the widespread area (Editorial Board, 2013). Regarding smog, vehicles, plants, and other objects producing it could be found everywhere which means that a vast area becomes affected. That is why it is a nonpoint-source pollutant.
Harm
Because of numerous harmful substances that are found in smog, it can seriously damage the health of individuals increasing the risk of cancer and decreasing lungs working capacity (Editorial Board, 2013). Additionally, it can irritate eyes, respiratory tract, and cause problems with aspiration. People with heart or lung diseases are especially vulnerable as their states might become critical under the impact of smog.
Ecology
Animals and ecosystems also suffer from this very pollutant. Investigations show that smog inhibits the growths of plants and can cause significant damage to crops, trees, and vegetation processes (Editorial Board, 2013). Additionally, animals are not able to adapt to new conditions and live under the constant impact of toxic substances. In such a way, ecosystems become altered and need years to recover.
Measures to Reduce Pollution
Considering the harm done by smog, there are specific measures introduced to eliminate its sources and mitigate its negative impact. First, numerous attempts to reduce transportation emissions by using environmentally friendly engines are made. Second, the functioning of coal power stations is reconsidered to decrease the level of emissions (Editorial Board, 2013). Third, cleaning installations are used to minimize the harmful impact of plants and factories.
Norms and Regulations
Additionally, there are specific norms and regulations that are introduced to monitor the state of this pollutant. For instance, standards for exhaust and evaporative emissions are accepted to regulate the state of vehicles and this sort of pollution. The significance of the problem results in the appearance of technologies to control the pollution. Thus, specific wearable technologies are used nowadays to measure how many toxic substances are now in the air and how they might impact health (Gallucci, 2015).
Educational Program
The world’s largest organizations are looking for ways to make the impact of pollution less detrimental to humans. The international environmental science education program GLOBE strives to find the best ways to analyze the current state of air and its purification (Akbari et al., 2016). The representatives of this program take an active part in discussions regarding the issue, and GLOBE has representative offices in many countries of the world. That is why it received such a name.
Current Progress and New Measures
Unfortunately, the problem remains topical as smog endangers many industrial regions. Evidently, the latest regulations improved this problem and resulted in the decrease of emissions in areas adhering to them. However, in heavily-industrialized regions, smog causes harm to the environment. For this reason, more severe regulations are needed to reduce the number of factors causing the appearance of smog by reducing the number of industrial emissions (Editorial Board, 2013).
Conclusion
Thus, smog is one of the relevant problems significantly affecting the human life. Despite active measures taken, it is still the issue that deserves discussions at the international level. Specific measures are taken to eliminate the consequences of the air pollution; however, many problems exist and continue to harm people.
References
Akbari, H., Cartalis, C., Kolokotsa, D., Muscio, A., Pisello, A. L., Rossi, F.,… Zinzi, M. (2016). Local climate change and urban heat island mitigation techniques – The state of the art. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 22(1), 1-16.
Editorial Board. (2013). Environmental science. Schaumburg, IL: Words of Wisdom.
Gallucci, M. (2015). Wearable technology takes on air pollution and smog with personal air-quality monitors.International Business Times. Web.