Smog is a dangerous substance that has a tremendous influence on the quality of the air we breathe. How is it formed, and how does smog affect the environment? Keep reading to uncover the complexities of smog and its far-reaching impacts!
Table of Contents
- How is smog created?
- How does smog affect the environment?
- Environmental impacts of smog – The takeaway
How is smog created?
The term smog was coined by merging two words: smoke and fog. It’s a mixture of yellow, grey, or black fog that contains ground-level ozone and fine particles. When we’re dealing with smog created as a result of air pollution, we can also define it as a substance that combines various gases with water vapor, and dust. Read also the expert’s explanation of how is smog created. 
How does smog affect the environment?
You probably know that smog has a negative impact on human health, as it makes it hard to breathe and causes various conditions like asthma, circulatory problems, nausea, strokes, or heart attacks. But what does smog do to the environment, exactly? The main smog effects on environment come as follows:
Reduction in UV Radiation
Smog creates a dense layer in the atmosphere that reduces the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. This might sound like a protective feature, but the decreased UV light has unintended consequences. For example, UV radiation plays a crucial role in natural processes like sterilizing harmful pathogens in water and soil. Its reduction may disrupt ecosystems by allowing harmful microorganisms to thrive unchecked.
Impact on Vitamin D Synthesis
One of the lesser-known effects of smog on the environment is its interference with vitamin D production. UV radiation is crucial for the synthesis of vitamin D in humans and animals. When smog blocks sunlight, it reduces exposure to UV rays, leading to vitamin D deficiencies. These deficiencies weaken immune responses in wildlife and humans alike, creating vulnerabilities to diseases and skeletal issues.
Inhibition of Plant Growth
The environmental impacts of smog extend to vegetation by hampering photosynthesis. Ground-level ozone damages leaf tissues and reduces a plant’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This diminishes plants’ growth potential and their role as carbon sinks, worsening the effects of climate change. Trees and crops in urban and industrial areas are especially at risk from such damage.
Damage to Forests and Crops
The pollutants in smog don’t just inhibit growth—they also cause direct damage to vegetation. Crops like soybeans, wheat, tomatoes, and peanuts are highly susceptible to smog-related stress. This leads to reduced yields and lower quality of produce. Forests are also at risk, with long-term exposure to smog weakening trees, making them more prone to disease, pests, and climate stressors.
Threat to Animal Species
Smog alters the environment in ways that many animal species find difficult to adapt to. For instance, the decline in air quality and reduced availability of healthy vegetation can lead to habitat loss. Animals that rely on sensitive ecosystems, such as amphibians in oxygen-rich aquatic environments, face heightened risks. Over time, these conditions can push some species toward extinction, especially those with limited adaptability to polluted conditions.
You may also read: How Does Air Pollution Affect Animals? 6 Deadly Effects
Degradation of Materials
Beyond living organisms, smog also corrodes physical materials like cotton, rubber, and even metal. Acidic components of smog erode surfaces, leading to disintegration and high maintenance costs. Urban infrastructure and cultural heritage sites are especially vulnerable to this form of degradation, increasing the financial and cultural toll of smog.
These are only some environmental impacts of smog. This devastating issue caused by industrialisation and modernisation has a huge impact on our everyday lives. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the awareness among people is constantly increasing and there are numerous laws that aim to control emissions of harmful substances and improve air quality.
Environmental impacts of smog – The takeaway
Although big plants and factories are mostly responsible for the smog impact on the environment, every person can make a difference by changing their lifestyle and replacing non-renewable fuels with alternatives that reduce the number of toxic emissions. Want to learn ways to reduce air pollution? Check out more articles on our blog!