The amount of smog in the air increases drastically in the autumn and winter season. Consequently, citizens are asked to stay at home and minimise their exposure to harmful substances. Why is smog dangerous? Keep reading to discover the 12 main reasons!
Table of Contents
- What is smog and why is it harmful?
- 12 ways how smog is harmful to us
- Why is smog dangerous? Understanding its harmful effects
- Is smog dangerous? The takeaway
What is smog and why is it harmful?
The term smog is derived from two words: smoke and fog. Although in the past this phenomenon was observed mainly in industrial areas, it all changed when we started to use vehicles more frequently and when the number of various manufacturing buildings that produce harmful emissions increased considerably.
So, is smog dangerous to our health? The answer to this question is “yes”. To avoid negative consequences and to be on the safe side, it’s worth using special air sensors and air filters that help to improve the quality of air you breathe in.
Learn more about smog by reading our article: What is smog?
12 ways how smog is harmful to us
Long-term exposure to harmful pollutants may cause conditions such as:
-
- asthma,
- problems with concentration,
- heart attacks,
- respiratory conditions,
- circulatory conditions,
- allergies,
- miscarriages,
- strokes,
- nausea,
- cancer,
- or even premature death.
As you can see, the list is pretty long and probably doesn’t cover all the possible aftermaths of inhaling polluted air.
Why is smog dangerous? Understanding its harmful effects
Actually, it’s worth mentioning that the impact of the particulate matter and ozone found in smog on your health depends on a number of factors such as:
- your overall well being and state of health,
- types of pollutants present in the air and their concentration,
- weather conditions in your neighbourhood,
- the time frame when you’re exposed to smog,
- your place of living.
So, why is smog dangerous? It irritates eyes, throat, and nose. When talking about those with underlying heart or lungs conditions, it can intensify the symptoms. What’s more, ozone that gets into the human body continues to damage it without any visible signs. This means that you can feel totally fine and your lungs may be in poor condition at the same time.
Is smog dangerous? The takeaway
Smog is a silent killer that can have a tremendous impact on the health. If you’ve been wondering why is smog harmful to us, now you know that it can cause severe health conditions.
Want to learn more about smog? Check out the entry prepared by our experts: How is smog created?