Several human activities influence the earth unfavorably. A stone crusher includes a great deal of suspended particulate matter and clamor into the air. Vehicles radiate from their tail funnels oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and a complex combination of burnt hydrocarbons and dark residue which pollute the environment. Local sewage and run off from farming fields, weighed down with fertilizers and pesticides contaminate water bodies. Effluents from tanneries contain numerous unsafe chemicals that transmit foul smell. These are just a couple of cases which demonstrate how human activities cause environmental pollution. Pollution may be characterized as expansion of undesirable material into nature as a consequence of human activities. The factors which cause ecological contamination are called pollutants. Pollutants may be characterized as a physical, concoction or organic substance unexpectedly discharged into the earth which is specifically or by implication destructive to people and other living life forms. Pollutants can hurt the ecological system and may additionally cause harm to people’s well-being.
Smog Effects on the Ecosystem
An ecosystem is an independent, dynamic framework consists of a population of different types of species in its physical surroundings. This idea is used to study the complex collaborations between the organic entities - creatures, microbes, plants, and organisms - that make up the group (Conserve-Energy-Future, 2013). There are various ways in which the group of organic entities interacts. At the point when the ecological system becomes polluted, there is disturbance of balance in the ecosystem and this influences the organic entities in diverse ways.
Smog contains numerous little particles, including dusts, topsoil, ozone, wood smoke, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, natural mixes, nitrogen oxides, as well as street dust (Conserve-Energy-Future, 2013). Smog adversely influences both nature and human wellbeing. Urban communities with large amounts of smog are ordinarily not desirable spots to live.
Smog harms vegetation by restraining plants' regular capacity to make and store foods through photosynthesis (Conserve-Energy-Future, 2013). At the point when this methodology is bargained, plant propagation, development, and general wellbeing sustain. Smog can debilitate plants that are delicate and make them more defenseless to disease, pests, and the natural surroundings stressors. As an outcome, plants may die out and fail to take part in the greater ecosystem they occupy. Low-lying smog can lessen yield for critical horticultural plants such as cotton, wheat, and soybeans. Smog hurts creatures also (Conserve-Energy-Future, 2013). Nitrogen oxides in smog can slaughter damage green algae and kill fish in water habitats. Smog can develop acid deposits through snow, fog, acid rain, dust, and gas. As smog responds with water in the air, it develops acidic particles. Agents that end up in soil, plants, and water lessen current nutrients, trigger water pollution, which can impact animals and plants, increase the amount of mercury in the food chain and destroy monuments and buildings through acidic erosion (Conserve-Energy-Future, 2013).
Smog Effects on the Health
Smog is dangerous to both the cardiovascular and the respiratory systems (Bodyandhealth.canada.com, 2015). It also worsens bronchitis, heart problems, and other lung problems. Smog diminishes the functions of lungs even among healthy individuals. Even at a minimal level, the particulate matter and the ground level ozone are dangerous. There are secured smog levels (Bodyandhealth.canada.com, 2015). Ground level ozone tends to irritate the nose, eyes, and throat. Once inhaled, it can become inflame and dry out the protective membranes of the throat and nose. This can be more complicated for the body to combat infection. Inflamed breathing pathways can likewise reduce the working capacity of the lungs. Symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and pain during breathing are likely to be experienced (Bodyandhealth.canada.com, 2015). As the amount of ground level ozone escalates, so do the number of hospital admissions and visits to emergency room. This can even lead to premature death. The smaller the particulate, the deeper it can be drawn in, which leads to airborne particles becoming dangerous. Bigger particles generally settle in the nose and mouth. On the other hand, fine particles are stuck in the pulmonary system. As soon as it gets to the lungs, the particles reduce the working capacity of the lungs and worse respiratory symptoms including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath (Bodyandhealth.canada.com, 2015). Death rates increase when particulate matter in the atmosphere increases in number. As people inhales smog, their arteries start to tighten which leads to decrease in blood flow to the cardiac system.
Eliminating Smog
In California, the Air Resources Board is the controlling agency for air pollution (Arb.ca.gov, 2015). The main function of this agency is to clean up the air. It offers financial subsidy for research projects, sets standards for air quality, monitors the level of air pollutants, and enforces regulations to diminish air pollution (Arb.ca.gov, 2015). In addition, the Air Resources Board likewise functions with air pollution control districts to diminish air pollution for different sources including power plants and factories. Regulations that aid in reducing air pollution encompass those necessitating the utilization of gasoline that causes less evaporation and burns cleaner (Arb.ca.gov, 2015).
References
Arb.ca.gov, (2015). Education: All About Smog - Cleaning up the Air. [online] Available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/knowzone/students/airpollu/airpolpage/cleanup.htm [Accessed 19 Apr. 2015].
Bodyandhealth.canada.com, (2015). How can smog harm my health?. [online] Available at: http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/channel_health_features_details.asp?health_feature_id=134&article_id=395&channel_id=139&relation_id=10848 [Accessed 19 Apr. 2015].
Conserve-Energy-Future, (2013). Causes and Effects of Smog - Conserve Energy Future. [online] Available at: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/SmogPollution.php [Accessed 19 Apr. 2015].
