Essay on Causes and Effects of Smog in Pakistan

Causes and Effects of Smog in Pakistan

 

Introduction:

       ·         Definition of smog

       ·         Smog  formation

       ·         Smog is kind of pollution

       ·         Causes of smog

       ·         Effects of smog

       ·         Smog situation in Pakistan

       ·         Smog Preventive Measures

       ·         Conclusion

What is smog?

The word Smog is derivative form of two words “smoke” and “fog”. Smog is also used to describe the type of fog which has soot in it.

Formation of smog:

Smog is formed when air pollutants and dangerous gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released in the air. These things react with sunlight and smog is formed. These pollutants are released in the air by excessive usage of vehicles, factories and industrial plantations.

causes of smog

Causes of Smog:

The most important causes of smog are following:

Natural resources:

Natural sources of smog are the dust comprises of the wind from locations with very little or no green cover, gases released from the body processes of living beings.  Smoke from the burning of various ignitable objects, volcano bursting along with the discharge of contaminated gases also make it to the list of Natural sources of Pollution.

Man made sources:

Man made contributions towards smog and air pollution is combustion of bio gas material factories, vehicles, furnaces etc. Wastes used to create landfills generate methane, which is harmful in several ways.

Combustion of waste materials:

Excessive combustion of rubbish, plastics and remaining straw of crops are major cause of smog. Also, cutting down, burning trees, and disposing of agricultural and organic waste can also lead to emissions of smog pollution and harmful problems for the planet.

Burning of fossil fuels:

Another problem that causes an increase in smog pollution is the increased usage of fossil fuels for industrial, heating, and of course transportation purposes. Burning of coal and other fossil fuels are main cause of smog all over the world.

Decomposition of solid wastes:

Biodegradable substances released methane gas in the atmosphere. This gas is highly harmful for human health. It can destroy to ozone layer and highly flammable. Open combustion garbage and other household substances is another cause of smog.

Effects of smog

Smog causes several effects which are discussed below in detail.

Health problems: 

The effects of smog are alarming. It can cause respiratory, throat and heart problems.  Due to smog several people suffer from pneumonia and asthma. Smog can become the cause of some diseases which are given below;

          i.            Eyes and skin allergy

        ii.            Lung cancer

      iii.            Asthma

      iv.            pneumonia 

Psychological problems:

Another effect of smog is mental depression. Waking up every morning in smoggy atmosphere has very negative impact on human mind. Such people cannot think properly. They may not give proper attention to their work.

effects of smog in city

Dangerous for wildlife:

Air pollution causes very harsh effects on human and animals as well. It becomes very difficult for them to survive in the atmosphere. Due to this they are forced to migrate from one place to another for their survival.

Effects on Plants:

Smog is not only dangerous for humans and animals; it is dangerous for plants lives too. In smoggy environment plants cannot grow properly, because it is very difficult for sunlight to reach on the earth.  Smog is also a threat for crops.

Acid Rain: 

When fossil fuel burns it release very dangerous gases in the atmosphere which is dangerous for human and wildlife. For example nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxide are two major gases that are being release into the air every day due to the consumption of the fossil fuel. These affect human and animal body. These gases come down on the land when it rains. Such rain in which these toxic gases are mixed is called acid rain. When this rain falls upon crops it destroys them completely and reduces the fertility of the land.

Traffic Accidents:

Smog is thicker than natural fog. Due to smog the visibility becomes almost equal to zero. In this situation, it’s very difficult to drive. The ratio of traffic accidents increases due to smog. Therefore, people should drive their vehicles very carefully.

Economic loss:

Intensive smog has the ability to annul the schedules of flights. Passengers cannot travel and cannot go to their destinations and companies have to face lot of loss. Automatically, their loss affects the economy of the country.

Pakistan and Smog

Unfortunately, Pakistan has also come in the list of polluted countries. Recently Pakistan is also suffering from smog. The main cause of smog in Pakistan is excessive usage of automobiles, industrialization, combustion of solid wastes and crop burning. Few weeks ago, NASA reported that all crop burning in India are ultimately causing the smog in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore. If we do not take measures to reduce smog then in coming years it will become the major problem and consequences will not good. 

Smog Preventive Measures:

 we can reduce smog by following given precautions.

•  Excessive use of smoke producing vehicle should be prohibited
• Avoid using household products with high levels of volatile hazardous materials.
•   Less use of fossil fuels.
• Do not take chances with smog on days when air quality is poor. Keep away from inhalation into smog directly, keep your nose enclosed.
• Use of Medical Mask and glasses.

Conclusion:

 It can be said that the cause of smog is man itself. Smog affects human beings negatively in terms of health, habitat and psychology. If people want to get better the lives of future generations, they need to work hard to lesser the on the whole quantity of contamination in the world.

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