What is smog?
H.A. Des Voex first coined the term “smog” in 1905, combining the words “smoke” and “fog.” Smog forms in the lower atmosphere, just above the Earth’s surface when energy from the sun reacts with industrial pollutants and motor vehicle exhaust particles in the air. The result is a deadly grey or brown cloud hanging in the air. Smog has two key components: nitrogen oxides, which are produced when fossil fuels (such as gasoline) are burned; and volatile organic compounds. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions do exist in nature; but these natural sources are not as predominant as artificial ones. Examples of major artificial sources of VOC emissions exist where gasoline evaporates: motor vehicles, oil-based paints, nail polish remover and barbecue starters, are all significant sources. Gasoline emissions are one of the single largest contributors to smog, so to reduce congestion would be to reduce the impact of smog on Canadians our health, our crops, and our environment. Smog is harm
Smog is particulate air pollution, characterized by low visibility and an assortment of human health problems. There are several types of smog including naturally formed volcanic smog, or vog, and efforts have been made in many parts of the world to reduce the amount of smog. What many people are not aware of is that the most insidious part of smog is often invisible, and specialized scientific instruments are required to get an accurate picture of smog. The term was coined in 1905, when Harold Antoine des Voeux wanted to come up with a word to describe the heavy fog unique to London. He created a portmanteau of “fog” and “smoke” which was quickly picked up by a number of newspapers. The type of smog which des Voeux was describing was industrial smog, caused by the combustion of materials like coal. London had been plagued with smog for centuries, with numerous visitors to the city commenting about it through the ages. Another type of smog is photochemical smog, caused by a chemical re
The term smog was first coined during the 1950s when it was used to describe a mixture of smoke and fog experienced in London. Major cities along the west coast of America were also experiencing a different type of air pollution. Smog occurs when emissions from industry, motor vehicles, incinerators, open burning and other sources accumulate under certain climatic conditions. There are two types of smog: summer (the type of smog first experienced in America) and winter (the one first noticed in London).
Smog builds when summertime sunlight “cooks” everyday emissions from motor vehicles, industry, paints, solvents and gasoline fumes. When the pollutants react with the summertime sunlight, they form ground-level ozone, the main component in smog. The Puget Sound area typically experiences smog problems during warmer summer months, when temperature reach 85 degrees or higher, and especially when winds are stagnant or light. Smog-forming pollutants are primarily generated by traffic and activities in urban areas. Wind patterns, however, blow this pollution into outlying suburban and rural areas.
The term “smog” was first used in London during the early 1900’s to describe the combination of smoke and fog. What we typically call “smog” today is a mixture of pollutants but is primarily made up of ground-level ozone. Ozone can be beneficial or harmful depending on its location. The ozone located high above the Earth in the stratosphere protects human health and the environment, but ground-level ozone is responsible for the choking, coughing, and stinging eyes associated with smog.
