Smog is a type of air pollution consisting of a mixture of smoke, fog, and chemical pollutants. It is commonly linked to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other sources of air pollution.
Smog is a serious issue globally, and the situation in Pakistan has become alarming. There are two types of smog: industrial smog and photochemical smog.
Industrial smog is commonly seen in industrial areas and consists of smoke and sulfur dioxide from burning fossil fuels, especially coal. It usually occurs in cold weather.
On the other hand, photochemical smog occurs when sunlight reacts with pollutants in the air, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), leading to the formation of ozone.
Smog in Pakistan
Smog has severely impacted the public in Pakistan, especially with worsening conditions in Punjab. The Punjab government has declared smog a calamity under Section 3 of the Punjab National Calamities Act of 1958.
The school timings in were also changed in the last week of October.According to the notification schools across the provincial capital will open from 8:45am to 2:45pm on weekdays. On Fridays, the school will end at 1:45pm.The school timings have been changed for the next three months and will be effective from October 28 to January 31, 2025.
The AQI in Pakistan has been recorded at “hazardous” levels since mid-October, raising concerns for the health of citizens.Check live AQI here.
Causes of Smog
Some of the main causes of smog are listed below:
- Emissions from Vehicles
- Industrial Activities
- Burning of Fossil Fuels
- Natural Sources
- Geographic and Climatic Conditions
Effects of Smog
Major effects of smog are as follows:
- Health Problems
- Environmental Damage
- Reduced Visibility
- Economic Impact
Prevention of Smog
Smog can be reduced by taking the following measures:
- Regulating Emissions
- Promoting Public Transportation
- Using Clean Energy
- Planting Trees
- Raising Public Awareness
- Monitoring Air Quality
By understanding the causes, effects, and prevention strategies of smog, we can take meaningful steps to improve air quality and protect public health.
