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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : March 8, 2014 12:01 AM IST
In one of the worst episodes this year, flights and trains were cancelled in New Delhi due to thick grey smog. This smog is caused due to air pollution fuelled by increasing vehicles and industrial growth.
Besides disrupting transport services, the smog also led to several medical emergencies caused by breathing difficulty. 'The number of patients seeking treatment for respiratory and cardiac diseases has risen by about a quarter since the fog descended on Monday', Dr Randeep Guleria, head of the pulmonary department at AIIMS told NDTV.
The smog reached a hazardous level with the concentration of fine particles present in the air being seven times more than what India considers safe. The only other time, the air in Delhi was so bad was after Diwali when the pollution caused by firecrackers contributed to the smog. (Read: Smog choking cities after Diwali)
What is smog?
Smog is basically smoky fog. It refers to a type of air pollution derived from emission from internal combustion engines of vehicles and industrial smokes. Smog is common in sunny, warm, dry climate cities with a large number of vehicles.
How is it formed?
Smog consists mainly of fine particles, gases like carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO2), and ground level ozone, a harmful pollutant. The chemicals in the polluted air are highly reactive and oxidizing. They react in the atmosphere with sunlight to form secondary pollutants. Photochemical smog is formed by the combination of primary emissions and secondary pollutants. In warmer, sunnier weather the upper air is warm and inhibits vertical circulation causing smog to worsen during such times. Smog can build up to dangerous levels by staying for extended periods of time over densely populated areas. It can travel with the wind and affect sparsely populated areas as well.
How does it affect our health?
Smog is a serious problem because it is harmful for health especially for children, elderly, and for people with heart and lung conditions like asthma and bronchitis. It can cause
Tips to avoid the smog:
One's primary focus should be to avoid outdoor activities when smog levels are high, especially during the afternoon. Exercising near heavy traffic areas, especially during peak hours or stepping out during these times could be dangerous for your health. If you have a heart/lung condition, consult your doctor about ways to protect your health from smog.
And finally, in order to help the environment and reduce pollution opt to walk, ride your bicycle or use public transportation instead of your car whenever possible. (Read: How smog affects your health)
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